Previously, food establishments set a 15% service charge, of which 7-8% went to the waitstaff, while the remaining portion went to the owners. However, many cafes and restaurants decided to raise this amount to 20-22% due to concerns that government authorities might make changes to the operating rules.
The deputy noted that they, like ordinary citizens, eat at cafes daily and feel the rise in prices. "Prices are rising everywhere, and this is causing concern. The situation requires a more balanced approach," he said.
According to Abirov, more and more people are using food delivery services. "Delivery by scooters is done without delays, but takeout prices have also increased. If an order used to cost 1000 soms, now its price, including service, is 1200 soms, and with delivery, it's an additional 130 soms. Thus, the total cost has increased by 34%!" he added.
Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce Benazir Nurlanova responded that consumers choose food based on the price segment: economy, middle class, or premium. She emphasized that the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution is not aimed at raising prices but at justifying them. According to her, the price increase occurred due to the inclusion of additional costs in the price of dishes.
The head of the Antimonopoly Regulation Service, Zhenaly Orozbaev, confirmed that some establishments raised prices by 23%, while others limited their increases to 3-4%. He added that representatives of the HoReCa sector promised to reduce delivery costs by 10%.
Abirov asked about the possibility of returning to previous prices. Nurlanova noted that this issue is not currently being discussed, as consumers need to understand how much they will pay when ordering.
"Consumers have always been good at counting! We must acknowledge our mistakes. As a result, prices have risen by 30%, and you want to reduce them to 20%. Previously, it was possible to manage with 15%," the deputy stated. His colleague Dastan Bekeshev also expressed the opinion that the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution should be revoked.
