Kyrgyzstan is actively expanding its geography of fuel imports, seeking to compensate for reduced supplies from Russia — the country’s main source of gasoline and diesel. Following disruptions caused by the temporary shutdown of several Russian oil refineries, Bishkek has begun sourcing fuel from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Belarus.
According to Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Bakyt Torobaev, the Kyrgyz government has managed to stabilize the domestic market thanks to swift agreements with foreign refineries. He emphasized that the country’s oil depots currently hold sufficient reserves of fuel, the Cabinet’s press service reported.
The head of the Association of Oil Traders, Kanat Eshmatov, noted that price stability can only be expected once a minimum two-month fuel reserve is formed. Despite signed supply contracts, each batch is purchased at prevailing global prices, making the market sensitive to fluctuations in export costs, logistics, and currency rates.
Russia remains Kyrgyzstan’s key partner, annually supplying about 1.2 million tons of duty-free fuel under the indicative balance. However, rising domestic consumption and temporary export cuts from Russia prompted Bishkek to request increased quotas for 2025 — including an additional 100,000 tons of diesel and 60,000 tons of jet fuel. The energy ministries of both countries have already approved adjustments to the supply balance.
Experts stress that expanding import sources helps reduce the risk of shortages but does not guarantee lower prices. Fuel costs will depend on supply volumes, logistics, currency dynamics, and the speed at which Russian refineries restore operations. For now, specialists estimate that full market stabilization will only be possible once sufficient reserves are accumulated — a process that may take several months.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 21, 2025