ASTANA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kazakhstan's central bank has decided to keep its base interest rate unchanged at 18 percent, local media reported Friday.

The decision was made by the Monetary Policy Committee of the National Bank of Kazakhstan amid inflation dynamics that remain broadly in line with the regulator's forecasts, Kazinform news agency reported on Friday.

According to official data, inflation stood at 12.3 percent in 2025, matching the central bank's projections.

The National Bank said that while inflation generally remains within expectations, external challenges persist. Uncertainty related to potential tax system changes, as well as the resumption of growth in utility tariffs and fuel prices from the second quarter of this year, warrants a cautious and measured approach to monetary policy. ■