Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the supply of petroleum products with Chinese Ambassador to Dushanbe, Guo Zhijun, Avesta.tj reported.
The parties discussed the possibility of importing Chinese energy products and strengthening trade and economic cooperation. This issue is particularly relevant given the periodic shortages of fuels and lubricants in Tajikistan, which depend on external fuel supplies.
A possible increase in petroleum product supplies from China could become an important tool for Tajikistan to diversify its fuel import sources. Currently, the country's energy security is determined not only by the development of hydropower but also by the stability of petroleum product supplies for transport, industry, and agriculture.
China possesses significant oil refining capacity and a developed logistics infrastructure, creating potential for expanded cooperation. However, the practical implementation of such supplies will require addressing issues of transport routes, delivery costs, and the competitiveness of Chinese fuel compared to traditional suppliers.
For Tajikistan, the most promising direction may be developing long-term contracts with Chinese companies, creating sustainable supply chains, and accumulating fuel reserves. China, in turn, is interested in expanding its economic presence in Central Asia and strengthening trade ties through regional transport projects.
Deepening cooperation in the petroleum products sector could complement the two countries' existing partnerships in energy, infrastructure, and industry.
Comparison of retail prices for AI-92 gasoline in Central Asian countries in dollar terms, indicating the main sources of fuel supply. The calculation is based on average prices in 2026:
|
Country |
AI-92 Price, $/liter |
Main Supply Sources |
|
Kazakhstan |
≈ $0,45–0,50 |
Own refineries (Atyrau, Pavlodar, Shymkent), imported from Russia |
|
Kyrgyzstan |
≈ $0,88–0,90 |
Mainly Russia, partly Kazakhstan and other destinations |
|
Uzbekistan |
≈ $0,75–0,80 |
Own refineries, imports from Russia and other countries |
|
Tajikistan |
≈ $1,05–1,10 |
Russia, Kazakhstan, and other foreign suppliers |
|
Turkmenistan |
≈ $0,45–0,60 |
Own oil refineries, domestic production |
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 30, 2026