BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan reduced its purchases of imported coal by 81.4%, but increased its lignite exports by 67.5%. Uzbekistan remains the main buyer of Kyrgyz coal, according to data from the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, 24.kg reports.
From January to March 2026, Kyrgyzstan exported 294,048.6 tons of coal worth 1 billion 241.4 million soms ($14.2 million). Shipment volumes decreased by 1.2%, but revenues increased by 4.7%. Uzbekistan remains the main importer, with Kyrgyz companies shipping 277,377 tons of coal.
At the same time, brown coal (lignite) exports increased by 67.5%, reaching 166,440.3 tons. The total value of these exports was 799,388,000 soms ($9.14 million).
The National Statistical Committee identified the following as the main buyers:
- Uzbekistan — 124,110.7 tons;
- Tajikistan — 31,703.5 tons;
- China — 10,187.7 tons.
Export volumes to China represent a small share, but the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan expects them to grow exponentially. The launch of new logistics infrastructure at the Tekelik deposit and the Erkeshtam border crossing, with a total investment of $430 million, will increase coal transportation capacity to 10 million tons per year.
At the same time, Kyrgyzstan is abandoning foreign fuel. Coal imports fell to 28,908.9 tons, representing only 18.6% of the 2025 level. Procurement costs decreased to 94,435,400 soms. Kyrgyzstan purchased almost all of its coal from Kazakhstan (28,902.4 tons).
CentralasianLIGHT.org
May 25, 2026