Our People > Vagit Ismailov

Vagit Ismailov

Journalist

Vagit Ismailov is a Kazakhstani journalist. He has worked in leading regional and national publications.

Articles

Economic Reforms Motor fuel gasoline price Energy Security

Kazakhstan Plans to End State Regulation of Fuel Prices

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Energy is considering the phased liberalization of gasoline and diesel fuel prices as part of a broader reform aimed at addressing price disparities with neighboring countries and curbing illegal fuel exports. The proposed changes have been outlined in a draft document published on the Open NAP portal. The reform would gradually shift fuel pricing from state regulation to a market-based system. Since May 2024, Kazakhstan has implemented a differentiated pricing mechanism, but the Ministry of Energy acknowledges that state regulation has made Kazakhstan the country with the lowest fuel prices in the region. This disparity has incentivized “gray” fuel exports - illegal cross-border sales - and contributed to domestic shortages of petroleum products. Currently, a liter of AI-92 gasoline in Kazakhstan costs 205 KZT ($0.39), significantly cheaper than in neighboring countries: Russia: 288 KZT ($0.54) Kyrgyzstan: 385 KZT ($0.72) Uzbekistan: 489 KZT ($0.92) The price gap is similarly wide for diesel fuel: Kazakhstan: 295 KZT ($0.56) Russia: 355 KZT ($0.67) Kyrgyzstan: 427 KZT ($0.80) Uzbekistan: 528 KZT ($0.90) Price differences for gasoline range from 40% to 138%, while for diesel fuel the gap is between 20% and 79%. The Ministry of Energy emphasizes that this price liberalization is crucial for addressing the challenges caused by these discrepancies. According to the Ministry, the reform will help: Prevent illegal fuel exports. Ensure the economic viability of oil production projects. Enable expansion of refinery capacity from 18 million to 28 million tons per year. The modernization of the oil refining sector, spurred by market-based pricing, would also create new jobs and provide additional funding for government programs. “Phased liberalization of prices with priority support for socially vulnerable segments of the population is necessary. It will create a sustainable system for supplying the domestic market and ensure economic feasibility,” the Ministry’s explanatory note states. The Ministry has assured the public that the transition to market pricing will be gradual and carefully managed to avoid sharp or sudden price increases. Authorities also promise strengthened oversight of the fuel and lubricants market to ensure uninterrupted supply and compliance with legal standards. Agricultural producers, a key sector reliant on affordable fuel, will retain access to subsidized pricing under transparent mechanisms. Additionally, the government has pledged to implement social support measures to protect low-income and vulnerable populations from the financial impact of rising fuel prices. “Liberalization will ensure predictability of changes and create conditions for modernization of the industry. Social support will be prioritized, and agricultural producers will continue to benefit from structured access to fuel,” the Ministry emphasized. Kazakhstan’s plan to phase out state regulation of fuel prices marks a significant shift in the country’s energy policy. By transitioning to market pricing, the government aims to address long-standing challenges, including illegal exports and underinvestment in refinery modernization, while also ensuring social protections for vulnerable groups. The success of this reform will depend on how effectively the government balances economic modernization with public concerns over rising fuel costs.

2 days ago

Environment Nature National Parks Ecology Nature Reserve

Massive Reserve for Red-Listed Animals to Be Created in Southern Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Natural Resources, Ecology, and Technical Supervision has proposed the creation of a new state natural park, Chon-Alai, in the southern region of Osh oblast. The planned park, covering an area of 66,830.79 hectares, aims to protect unique natural ecosystems and conserve endangered species of flora and fauna. A draft resolution has been published for public discussion. Land Reallocation for the Park To establish the Chon-Alai Nature Park, the government plans to reallocate 23,473.79 hectares of land from the “Reserve Land” category in the Chon-Alai district, as well as 43,357 hectares from the “State Forest Fund” under the Alai Forestry Administration. The combined area will be designated as a specially protected natural area. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources, the proposed territory meets all the criteria for protected areas, as it contains rare ecosystems and populations of endemic species. The park will span three sites on the southern macro-slope of the Alai Ridge and two sites on the northern slope of the western Zaalai Ridge, including part of the Kyzyl-Suu-Zapadnaya River valley. This region has been recognized for its environmental significance for years. As far back as 2004, there have been plans to establish a transboundary Pamir-Alai Nature Park in this area. Protecting Red-Listed Species The primary purpose of the Chon-Alai Nature Park is to ensure the protection of species listed in the Red Book of Kyrgyzstan and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The park will help preserve habitats for rare and endangered species, including: Mammals: Snow leopard, brown bear, Central Asian otter, Turkestan lynx, and warthog; Birds: Golden eagle, black vulture, and Alayan shieldbill; Fish: Turkestan catfish; Flora: Christoph's jaundice, Romanov's parnassus, evasive alaya, and Kostychev's prostrel. The creation of the park will provide a safe haven for these species, many of which are threatened by habitat loss, climate change, and human activity. A Milestone for Conservation The establishment of the Chon-Alai Nature Park represents a significant step forward in Kyrgyzstan's efforts to preserve its natural heritage. By protecting critical habitats and endangered species, the park will contribute to both national and global conservation goals.

2 days ago

Education Culture Religion Children

Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan Issues Statement on Quadroberism

The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK) has expressed concern over the growing spread of "quadroberism" among children and adolescents. This phenomenon involves individuals imitating the habits of animals by wearing masks, tails, and ears, as well as behaving like fictional creatures. The DUMK addressed the issue in a recent statement. In its statement, the DUMK emphasized that Islam places humans above all other creatures, granting them reason and consciousness. To support this position, the administration cited verses from the Holy Quran: “We have honored the descendants of Adam, allowed them to move on land and sea, endowed them with benefits, and granted them a great advantage over the many whom We created.” Another verse states: “We created man in the best possible image.” The DUMK argues that the deliberate imitation of animals - including their habits, sounds, and behaviors - constitutes a distortion of divine creation. It further noted that Islam forbids any form of behavior that undermines the distinct identity of humans. For example, the imitation of one gender by another is prohibited, and, by extension, imitating animals is considered equally inadmissible under Shariah. Cultural Expressions vs. Quadroberism However, the DUMK drew a clear distinction between quadroberism and metaphorical comparisons or cultural expressions. The statement clarified that comparing humans to animals in a metaphorical sense - such as likening bravery to a lion, cunning to a fox, or patience to a camel - does not fall under the definition of quadroberism. Similarly, theater performances, children’s games, and other cultural activities that do not involve a change in personal identity are not condemned. The DUMK underscored that quadroberism, which includes imitating animal sounds, moving on all fours, and adopting animal behaviors, is "strictly prohibited by Shariah." Additionally, it addressed the trend of “quadrobics,” a form of exercise that involves running on all fours to imitate animals. This activity, derived from the combination of the words "quadro" (four) and "aerobics," was described as a concerning trend among youth. Quadroberism in Central Asia and Beyond The quadrober subculture, which involves young people mimicking animal behavior by running on all fours and using animal-themed accessories, has gained traction not only in Kazakhstan, but also in neighboring Uzbekistan and Russia. Authorities in these countries are taking measures to address the phenomenon. In Kazakhstan, deputies have proposed conducting a thorough study of the quadrober phenomenon and, if deemed necessary, developing legislation to combat it. In Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that manifestations of the quadrober subculture among children and adolescents would be treated as a failure of parental responsibility, punishable by a fine of five basic calculation units. In Russia, State Duma deputies are drafting legislation to ban the promotion of destructive ideologies, including quadroberism. Russian lawmakers and psychologists have voiced concerns that the hobby could negatively affect children’s mental health. As the debate continues across the region, the DUMK’s statement adds a spiritual perspective to the growing conversation about the implications of quadroberism.

5 days ago

Cultural Heritage public opinion Architecture modernization

19th-Century Historic Building Under Demolition in Turkmenistan

The demolition of a 19th-century historic building, formerly the History and Local History Museum and originally a Shiite mosque named after Haji Myalik, has begun in the city of Turkmenabat. Constructed in the 19th century, this architectural landmark was a vital part of Turkmenabat's cultural heritage for decades. The building served as a museum starting in 1967, but in 2011, after more than 40 years, its exhibitions were relocated to a new facility built specifically for that purpose. Despite the building’s historical significance, local authorities opted against restoration or handing it over to the Muftiyat (the official Islamic authority) and instead decided to demolish it. A Unique Architectural Legacy The architectural design of the former Haji Myalik Mosque was distinctive and highly regarded in the region. Tourist guides described it as one of Turkmenabat's most striking landmarks. The facade featured intricate brickwork, three semicircular arches, a prominent high portal, and two small towers capped with pointed domes in Ottoman architectural style. On the right side of the facade stood a minaret with a metal dome, once the tallest vantage point in Chardjui (the historic name of Turkmenabat). Today, this iconic structure is being dismantled piece by piece. The roof has already been removed, and the demolition process is ongoing. A Worrying Trend The demolition of historic buildings in Turkmenistan is not a new phenomenon and has raised alarm among residents and cultural heritage experts. In Ashgabat, the capital, numerous old buildings of historical and cultural importance have been destroyed over the years. Notable examples include the buildings of Karakumstroy, Hotel Turkmenistan, the Turkmenhovayollary Department, and the public garden featuring a monument to N. Aitakov. [caption id="attachment_27727" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Ashgabat- A row of marble towers in Berzengi; image: TCA, Stephen M. Bland[/caption] A moderately young metropolis, its appellation meaning "City of Love" in Persian, Ashgabat developed around a Russian garrison during the 1880s. Leveled in the earthquake of 1948, prefab Soviet blocks soon sprung from the debris. Shaping his vision, former President Niyazov had these kommunalkas torn down and replaced by boxy, flat-topped marble towers with dazzling, reflective windows. Largely of a uniform eleven storys, their showy ostentation lacks any semblance of functionality, with endless ministry buildings standing unoccupied, overpriced residential blocks home to the affluent few. In 2021, authorities began demolishing four-story residential buildings at the intersection of Turkmenbashi and Atamurat Niyazov avenues, a move that drew criticism from citizens. Experts warn that such actions could result in the irreversible loss of the country’s unique architectural heritage. As the dismantling of the former Haji Myalik Mosque continues, concerns grow about the preservation of Turkmenistan's historic and cultural landmarks, many of which are disappearing under the pressure of modernization.

5 days ago

Culture Digital Technologies Art and Culture Central Asian Art

Tajikistan Opens Its First Digital Art Gallery Highlighting Local Activists’ Work

The Khujand branch of the NGO Office of Civil Liberties has launched Tajikistan's first digital art gallery, which showcases the work of local activists. The digital gallery features art that addresses pressing social issues, such as domestic violence, discrimination, and environmental threats. It includes a diverse range of art forms, including digital works, photography, stories, and videos. [caption id="attachment_27723" align="aligncenter" width="1296"] Sad Dollar by Timur Shapirov; image: tut-gallery.tilda.ws[/caption] Prominent Artists and Initiatives The platform features contributions from prominent Tajik artists, including Zilola Imomova and Amina Ayyubi. It also includes works by winners and participants of art "hackathons" previously organized by the Office of Civil Liberties in Dushanbe and Khujand. Representatives of the organization explained the gallery’s purpose: “We aim not only to support art activists, but also to draw society's attention to pressing problems.” [caption id="attachment_27720" align="aligncenter" width="642"] Motherlandy by Muharram Buranova; image: tut-gallery.tilda.ws[/caption] Art with a Message Each work in the gallery is accompanied by a description explaining the idea behind it. Many of the featured pieces delve into topics such as gender inequality and social stereotypes, reflecting the personal stories and lived experiences of the artists. "Motherlandy" by Muharram Buranova, for example reimagines a powerful heroine as a positive, feminine counterpart to Homelander. Motherlandy radiates strength and courage as she shields a young girl from harassment, standing tall amidst a menacing crowd of zombie-like men, embodying the oppression and cruelty faced by girls in Tajikistan. With her steadfast presence, Motherlandy becomes a beacon of hope, inspiring belief that justice is not only needed but possible. Through this initiative, the digital gallery is seeking to amplify the voices of activists and provoke meaningful conversations about social issues in Tajikistan.

5 days ago