According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the cost of socially significant food products in the whole country increased by 23.3% by the end of 2022. The category of products, the cost of which is especially important for consumers, includes wheat flour of the first grade and bread made from it. The average cost of a kilogram of flour in December 2022 amounted to 230 KZT, showing an increase of 29% compared to the beginning of the year. The price for 1 loaf of social bread was 96.5 tenge, which is 17% more expensive than at the beginning of the year. According to analysts, there are different dynamics of food prices in each region. The largest increase in the cost of bread in January-August last year was stated in Ulytau region – 48.3% (according to turantimes.kz ).
Of course, the rise in the price of products is caused by an increase in the price of grain and an increase in production costs.
What is the share of the cost of JSC "Astyk Trans" wagons (hereinafter - Company) in the price of one loaf of bread? The cost of the wagon component of grain transportation in the average price of a kilogram of flour is 4.09 KZT or 1.8%, in the average price of a loaf of bread – 1.36 tenge or 1.4%, this cost obviously does not affect the price of such a critical and socially significant product as bread.
According to 2022 results, the share of JSC "Astyk Trans" in domestic grain transportation amounted to 76%. According to operational data, more than 1 million tons of grain cargoes were delivered to the southern regions of the country for processing into flour and further into bread.
The domestic transportation market is still low-margin and not attractive for many freight forwarders, besides it requires the ability to work on it, but it is still a priority for the Company.