Riots Start in Kazakhstan as Fuel Prices Soar

On January 2, 2022, riots and protests occurred in the country of Kazakhstan. The riots were triggered after a rise in the price of fuel and according to BBC News. “The demonstrations, triggered by a rise in fuel prices, turned into the worst unrest the country has seen in its 30 years of independence.” The riots have also transformed into general discontent with the ruling government. 

On January 1, Kazakhstan completed its transition to electronic trade in LPG (liquid petroleum gas) which took three years to complete. According to RT News, “A long held price cap for the widely used fuel was simultaneously lifted, which caused LPG prices to double.” This meant that fuel prices which might have already been high have recently doubled due to the removal of the price cap. The government quickly restored the price cap and now protesters are demanding that price caps be applied to food also and are also demanding some members of the ruling government resign. The situation escalated as protesters started to clash with police and military forces. A video was also released of Kazahk protestors forcing soldiers out of a truck and taking the gear for themselves. According to BBC News, “On Sunday evening government officials retracted an earlier statement posted to an officially-run channel on the Telegram social media app alleging that more than 164 people had died during the wave of violence.” A state of emergency was also declared in Almaty city and the region of Mangistau.

As the state of the country slowly deteriorated, Russia and a few other countries pledged to send support. On January 7, 2022, Russian Airborne forces arrived in Almaty. According to RT News, “Footage has been released of Russian Airborne Forces units touching down in Kazakhstan after the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CTSO) agreed to intervene following national protests.”

These troops contain mostly infantry with IFVs such as BMP-3’s. However as of January 13, 2022, CTSO troops have actually begun withdrawing from Almaty. According to foreignpolicy.com, “A contingent of troops dispatched by the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) will begin withdrawing from Kazakhstan today, less than a week after they were deployed by the Russian-led organization to help quell rare protests over fuel prices across the country.”

As Kazakhstan increases the number of military units in the city of Almaty, the riots have changed directions from fuel prices to trying to end corruption in the government. But Russian troops in Kazakhstan have also sent a message that Russia supports the leading government which worries some that Kazakhstan might fall deeper into the Russian sphere of influence. However one thing that is for sure is that the riots and protests don't seem to be stopping anytime soon.