Kyrgyzstan is strengthening cooperation with Russia, Belarus, China, and Uzbekistan to supply the domestic market with fuels and lubricants. The country's average annual demand for petroleum products exceeds 1.5 million tons, a significant portion of which is met through imports, Akchabar.kg reported.
The fuel supply situation was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev in Bishkek on August 20. Government representatives reported on the situation in the Central Asian oil market, import volumes, stockpiling, and measures being taken to ensure a stable fuel supply for Kyrgyzstan.
Following the meeting, Kasymaliev instructed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to the domestic market and strengthen price monitoring. Government agencies were also instructed to intensify cooperation with fuel companies, conclude new import agreements, and address logistical issues at the state border.
The need for additional measures is due to the rising cost of new imported fuel shipments. According to the Association of Oil Traders of Kyrgyzstan, gasoline and diesel fuel, depending on their country of origin, are currently being purchased for approximately $1,300–$1,500 per ton. Since the beginning of August, some oil traders have been purchasing diesel fuel for $1,550–$1,600 per ton, and AI-92 gasoline for $1,400–$1,450. Fuel under these contracts has already begun to enter the Kyrgyz market.
The rise in purchasing prices reinforces the importance of government support. Kyrgyzstan has a mechanism in place to partially compensate companies selling the most popular types of fuel and lubricants. Government subsidies help curb retail price increases and prevent the full pass-through of increased import costs to consumers. This support is primarily targeted at AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel, which are most critical for the population, transport, and agriculture.
According to government agencies, a significant amount of budgetary funds has already been allocated to compensate for the cost of fuel and lubricants. At the same time, the issue of further revising subsidy parameters remains relevant, as previously accumulated reserves of cheaper fuel are gradually depleting, and new batches are being purchased at higher prices.
The current situation demonstrates that the stability of Kyrgyzstan's fuel market directly depends not only on global prices but also on the reliability of external supplies and logistics. Cooperation with several countries simultaneously allows for diversification of fuel sources and reduces the risk of shortages.
However, if purchase prices remain high, the government will have to find a balance between budgetary compensation, the financial stability of oil traders, and fuel availability for the population. In the long term, the most sustainable solution will be to expand the number of suppliers and routes, as well as build up sufficient reserves before periods of increased seasonal demand.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 21, 2026