Almaty City Hall Today

Photos have emerged online showing the state of the Almaty City Hall building after a fire broke out yesterday.

It should be noted that wide-scale protests have been ongoing in many cities of Kazakhstan since the first days of January due to the rise in liquefied gas prices. Starting January 1, gas purchases in the republic began being conducted at market prices based on supply and demand.

The authorities explained that until now, this type of fuel was being sold at prices below cost, causing producers to operate at a loss. However, the increase in fuel prices triggered public discontent, particularly in Aktau and Zhanaozen, where protesters began calling for price reductions.

Although later a government commission announced it was ready to meet the protesters' demand and lower the prices, the protests did not cease.

Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev urged compatriots not to succumb to the calls of destructive individuals who are