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Fuel prices

Kyrgyzstan Extends Fuel Subsidies Amid Russian Supply Disruptions

Kyrgyzstan has extended subsidies for fuel importers through the end of 2026. Bishkek is trying to contain prices at the pump as problems in the Russian fuel market push traders to seek supplies elsewhere and make domestic refining more important. On August 26, the Cabinet of Ministers extended a temporary fuel subsidy scheme through December 31.Under the scheme, the state covers part of eligible importers’ fuel and transportation costs when the total exceeds a fixed threshold. The government also raised those fixed prices: from $860 to $960 per metric ton for AI-92 gasoline, from $950 to $1,050 for diesel, and from $575 to $650 for automotive liquefied petroleum gas. The change means importers must now absorb more of the cost themselves before receiving a subsidy. AI-92 is a lower-octane gasoline broadly comparable to regular fuel in the United States. AI-95, closer to the standard unleaded gasoline sold across much of Europe, was included in the original subsidy mechanism introduced in late May, but has now been removed from both the subsidy program and temporary price regulation. The extension keeps government support in place for another three months. On August 25, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev said the government had allocated 956.1 million soms, or about $11.4 million, in subsidies to companies importing petroleum products. Kyrgyzstan receives more than 90% of its imported fuel from Russia, where Ukrainian drone attacks and refinery outages have reduced available supplies. Shortages have also emerged on the Russian domestic market, prompting Moscow to tighten restrictions on fuel exports, although supplies under intergovernmental agreements, including Russia’s agreement with Kyrgyzstan, are exempt. On August 25, Reuters, citing three industry sources, reported that Russia was set to extend its ban on diesel exports by producers through September as shortages persisted and several refineries remained idle following repeated Ukrainian drone attacks. Kyrgyzstan felt the effects relatively quickly. Gasoline and diesel prices rose, while some filling stations experienced shortages of AI-95 gasoline, even as the more widely used AI-92 remained available. Fuel traders have already begun buying from farther afield. China is emerging as an alternative source of supply. After talks with Sinopec, a Kyrgyz delegation met with state-owned CNPC on August 19. The discussions focused on procedures for supplying petroleum products to Kyrgyzstan through CNPC-affiliated Kunlun Logistics. Following the talks, Kyrgyz companies signed contracts with CNPC for petroleum product supplies, although volumes, prices, and delivery schedules were not publicly disclosed. The fuel squeeze has also made an existing effort to refine more oil domestically more important. The modernization of the Junda refinery is not a new response to the current shortages: the $193.75 million project was already underway earlier this year and had previously been scheduled for completion by July 31. On August 25, the National Investment Agency signed an additional agreement with Central Asia Energy Company allowing the next stage of modernization of the Junda refinery in Kara-Balta, the country’s largest, to begin. The latest announcement did not give a new completion date. The project...

Fuel Supply

Kyrgyzstan Turns to China as Russian Fuel Supplies Falter

Kyrgyzstan, which has depended almost entirely on Russian fuel for years, is accelerating its search for alternative suppliers. On August 17, the authorities began direct talks with China’s Sinopec. The search has become more urgent as Russian supplies have grown less reliable and gasoline prices in Bishkek have risen. Some filling stations have also periodically run out of AI-95 gasoline. Erlist Akunbekov, Kyrgyzstan’s deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, met with executives from China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) in Urumqi on August 17. Representatives of more than ten Kyrgyz oil-sector companies traveled to China with him. The sides discussed direct supplies of petroleum products, including transportation and customs clearance. “Kyrgyzstan is interested in increasing supplies of petroleum products from China. This area has great potential and, I believe, represents a long-term direction for trade and economic cooperation between our countries,” Akunbekov said during the meeting. Until recently, Bishkek had little reason to change the established arrangement. Russia is relatively close and supplies petroleum products to Kyrgyzstan duty-free under agreed indicative balances within the Eurasian Economic Union. Russian fuel accounts for more than 90% of Kyrgyzstan’s imported petroleum products. From January through May 2026, Russia supplied more than 251,000 tons of gasoline and 235,150 tons of diesel fuel. Jet fuel deliveries reached 48,150 tons. But the reliability of this model has come into question amid problems at Russian refineries. Ukrainian drone strikes and refinery maintenance have reduced available supplies. Seasonal demand and export restrictions have added further pressure, while renewed attacks in late July and early August worsened the situation. By mid-August, restrictions on fuel sales were in place in at least ten Russian regions, while gasoline sales on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange had fallen by about 20% since the beginning of the month. Particularly significant for Central Asia was the strike on the Orsk refinery in Russia’s Orenburg region, near the border with Kazakhstan. The refinery, with an annual processing capacity of about 6 million tons, halted operations after an August 11 attack. Regional authorities have said repairs could take up to six months. For Kyrgyzstan, problems in Russia quickly show up at the pump. In May, a liter of AI-92 gasoline in Bishkek cost an average of 78.4 soms, or about $0.90. By August 17, the price of the country’s most popular gasoline grade had reached 87.9 soms, about $1 per liter. AI-95 was selling for 109.9 soms, about $1.25, while diesel cost 99.9 soms, about $1.14 per liter. Some filling stations have been unable to offer AI-95, while others have temporarily stopped operating. The government initially introduced price controls in late May, then partially rolled them back in July as maintaining fixed prices became increasingly difficult amid rising import costs. The search for alternatives began before the latest meeting with Sinopec. Kyrgyzstan has held talks with Kazakhstan and Belarus, while separate discussions have involved Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan have also been approached. Agreements have already been reached with Belarus for supplies of diesel and...

Fuel prices

Turkmenistan Tightens Diesel Limits as Fuel Shortages Persist

Turkmenistan has halved the amount of diesel that vehicles may carry in their tanks when leaving the country, cutting the limit from 300 to 150 liters from August 10. The charge for every liter above the limit has also risen from 20 manat (about $1) to 30 manat (about $1.50). The move is the second tightening of the rules in several months. According to Chronicles of Turkmenistan, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov signed the relevant decree on August 5. At the beginning of April, vehicles leaving Turkmenistan were limited to 300 liters of diesel in their tanks, with a charge of 20 manat, or about $1 at the market exchange rate, for every additional liter. Enforcement was assigned to the border and customs services, as well as the state-owned concern Turkmenneft, The Times of Central Asia reported. The large price difference between Turkmenistan and neighboring markets creates an incentive to take fuel across the border. In April, The Times of Central Asia reported that diesel in Turkmenistan cost around $0.05 per liter, compared with approximately $1 in Uzbekistan, $0.60 in Kazakhstan, and $0.90 in Russia. Low regulated prices extend beyond diesel. In July, petrol in Turkmenistan cost around $0.43 per liter, placing the country among the world's cheapest markets. By comparison, AI-95 petrol cost about $0.68 in Kazakhstan, approximately $1.02 in Kyrgyzstan, and around $1.34 in Uzbekistan, according to Chronicles of Turkmenistan. Independent media have also reported persistent shortages of petrol and diesel inside Turkmenistan, particularly outside Ashgabat. In July, Turkmen.news reported large queues at filling stations and shortages of both petrol and diesel in the regions. The outlet also published documents indicating problems with aviation kerosene supplies at Ashgabat International Airport. One document from June 2024 said the airport had 2,500 tons of kerosene available, enough for only two to three days at prevailing consumption levels. By December 2024, another document showed reserves had fallen to 728 tons, less than one day's supply. Turkmen.news reported that problems with kerosene allocations continued into 2026. The situation is notable because Turkmenistan produces and refines its own oil. The country has two major refining centers, the Turkmenbashi oil refinery complex on the Caspian Sea and the Seydi refinery in the east. Petroleum products are supplied to the domestic market and also exported. Fuel shortages have occurred repeatedly. In 2024, eastern regions of Turkmenistan experienced serious petrol shortages. Drivers in the Lebap and Mary regions waited for hours at filling stations, while some stations imposed purchase limits. The shortage also disrupted public transport and contributed to higher food prices, The Times of Central Asia reported. The latest border restrictions add another element to this picture. Independent outlets have linked the limits to the wide gap between heavily regulated domestic fuel prices and prices abroad, which creates opportunities for cross-border resale. Halving the diesel allowance to 150 liters further restricts the amount that can leave Turkmenistan in vehicle tanks as reports of domestic shortages continue.

Fuel prices

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Contain Rising Fuel Prices

Kyrgyzstan’s fuel regulator has reached a new pricing agreement with retailers as higher import costs continue to strain the domestic market. The framework applies to AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel. Liquefied petroleum gas is also covered. Retailers will follow an approved schedule for price adjustments and notify the Antimonopoly Regulation Service when suppliers change wholesale prices. The regulator will monitor the market and consider changes to the schedule when import costs shift significantly. The aim is to maintain supplies while limiting unjustified increases at filling stations. The measure comes as problems at Russian refineries continue to affect regional fuel markets. Kyrgyzstan obtains more than 90% of its imported petroleum products from Russia, leaving it highly exposed to changes in Russian output and export policy. Retail prices still do not include the full increase in import costs, the regulator said. A government subsidy program introduced in May compensates fuel importers and retailers for part of the difference between purchase costs and fixed benchmark prices. Without the subsidies, officials estimate that AI-92 gasoline would cost about $1.20 per liter and diesel about $1.32 per liter. As The Times of Central Asia previously reported, the government removed AI-95 gasoline from temporary price regulation and abandoned plans for maximum retail prices after supply problems emerged.

Fuel Supply

Kyrgyzstan Eases State Fuel Price Controls as Supply Shortages Persist

Kyrgyzstan has partially rolled back its temporary state regulation of motor fuel prices, removing AI-95 gasoline from price controls and abandoning plans to impose maximum retail fuel prices in an effort to stabilize supplies. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Kyrgyz government introduced temporary state regulation of fuel prices on May 25 amid continued increases in gasoline and diesel prices, driven largely by the country’s dependence on imports from Russia. The government had approved subsidies for imports of gasoline, diesel fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas through September 30, 2026, while setting benchmark import prices at $860 per ton for AI-92 gasoline, $940 per ton for AI-95 gasoline, $950 per ton for diesel fuel, and $575 per ton for liquefied petroleum gas. Under a new resolution signed on July 7 by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev, AI-95 gasoline has been removed from the list of socially significant goods subject to temporary state price regulation. The decision effectively cancels the state price controls introduced just two weeks earlier. It follows reports that AI-95 gasoline had disappeared from several filling stations in Bishkek. The July 7 resolution also abolishes the maximum allowable retail fuel prices established under the May 25 decree. According to the government, the changes are intended to ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies to consumers. The policy adjustment comes as Russia continues to tighten fuel exports. In recent weeks, several Russian regions have imposed restrictions on gasoline sales following reduced refinery output caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on oil-processing facilities. Moscow has already restricted gasoline exports and imposed a temporary ban on jet fuel exports. Kyrgyzstan remains heavily dependent on imported fuel. The country imports approximately 1.2 million tons of petroleum products annually, while domestic refineries meet only about 5% of national demand. Total annual fuel consumption is estimated at 1.6 million tons, with more than 90% supplied by Russia. First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiyev told the 24.kg news agency that the government is actively diversifying fuel imports through negotiations with Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, European suppliers, Türkiye, China, Russia, Belarus, and Azerbaijan. According to Amangeldiyev, China has confirmed a contract to supply the first 3,000 tons of jet fuel to Kyrgyzstan, while negotiations are underway for an additional 5,000 tons of diesel fuel. The Kyrgyz government has also signed agreements with Belarus covering 3,000 tons of jet fuel and approximately 10,000 tons of diesel fuel. The reversal shows how quickly price controls can collide with supply constraints in a market still heavily dependent on Russian fuel.

Fuel prices

AI-92 Gasoline Price in Uzbekistan Hits Record High Amid Regional Fuel Pressures

The price of AI-92 gasoline on Uzbekistan’s Republican Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange has reached a record high, according to exchange data reviewed by Uzbek business outlet Spot. On June 29, the exchange price for one metric ton of AI-92 gasoline climbed to 13.919 million UZS, approximately $1,160, up 1.1% from the previous trading session and the highest level ever recorded. Since the beginning of June, the fuel price has risen by 11.8%, or nearly 1.5 million UZS, approximately $125 per ton. Spot reported that the sharpest increase came during the first week of the month. Between June 4 and June 8, the price jumped from 12.476 million UZS, approximately $1,040, to 13.788 million UZS, approximately $1,149, an increase of 10.5% in just four days. Prices then remained relatively stable at around 13.7 million UZS to 13.8 million UZS, approximately $1,141-$1,150, before climbing to a new record at the end of the month. The rise in prices coincided with a sharp drop in supply on the exchange. Available volumes fell from 3,791 tons on June 1 to 1,898 tons by June 23, nearly halving over three weeks. Although supply had recovered to 3,123.2 tons by June 29, prices remained at record levels. The increase comes as Russia experiences fuel shortages linked to unplanned refinery maintenance following Ukrainian drone strikes. Several Russian oil refineries have undergone emergency repairs after the attacks, reducing fuel production and tightening supplies across the region. Russia also introduced a full ban on gasoline exports on April 1. However, the restriction does not apply to deliveries made under intergovernmental agreements, meaning fuel exports to Uzbekistan are not directly affected. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Russia has discussed importing about 50,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan after refinery outages cut gasoline production by roughly 25% year-on-year by late June. The talks marked an unusual step for Russia, traditionally one of the region’s main fuel exporters.