International cost-of-living database Numbeo has released its updated global fuel price index, ranking 127 countries as of September 2025. Tajikistan places 86th, with an average gasoline price of $1.12 per liter, Asiaplus.tj reports.
In Central Asia, Kazakhstan offers the most affordable fuel at $0.46 per liter — landing it among the world’s five cheapest, alongside Libya ($0.03), Egypt ($0.35), Kuwait ($0.35), and Algeria ($0.36).
Regional fuel prices:
- Uzbekistan: $0.99
- Kyrgyzstan: $0.82
- Russia: $0.72
Turkmenistan is not listed in Numbeo’s index, but according to Global Petrol Prices, it holds the title for the cheapest fuel in the post-Soviet space at $0.42 per liter (as of September 15, 2025).
Why Is Fuel So Expensive in Tajikistan?
Despite bordering Russia — its primary supplier — Tajikistan’s retail prices remain high. The country imports nearly all its gasoline, with 451,000 tonnes brought in from Russia in 2024. In 2025, imports are expected to exceed 500,000 tonnes, all under a bilateral agreement that waives Russian export duties.
Yet, according to Tajikistan’s Antimonopoly Service, the average import cost in H1 2025 was $746 per tonne. The final pump price reflects added logistics, taxes, distributor markups, and the operations of 15 licensed importers — pushing the consumer price to $1.12/liter.
By comparison, neighboring Kyrgyzstan — also reliant on Russian fuel — sells gasoline 27% cheaper, thanks to more competitive distribution and efficient logistics.
This ranking is more than a price list — it’s a measure of economic efficiency. While Tajikistan benefits from duty-free imports, structural bottlenecks continue to burden consumers. Lowering the final price remains a critical challenge for policymakers
CentralasianLIGHT.org
Sept. 23, 2025