Kyrgyzstan scrambles for fuel after Russia bans gasoline exports

July 23, 2026 at 10:04 AM1 min

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Kyrgyzstan is urgently seeking alternative fuel supplies after Russia banned gasoline and aviation kerosene exports on June 30. First Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev said the country will buy fuel from any source regardless of price. The move exposes Kyrgyzstan's heavy reliance on imports, with domestic production covering only 7-15% of consumption.

The Ban

Russia imposed a full ban on gasoline and aviation kerosene exports on June 30, with discussions underway to extend restrictions to diesel. For Kyrgyzstan, which relied primarily on Russian supplies for years, this signaled an urgent need to diversify. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan produced 261,300 tonnes of crude oil, yielding about 170,700 tonnes of diesel and 120,000-130,000 tonnes of gasoline — far short of domestic demand.

Alternative Routes

Bishkek is now negotiating with Belarus, Uzbekistan, China, and Kazakhstan. Belarus has preliminarily agreed on supply volumes despite the distance. Kazakhstan has opened exports of fuel oil to Kyrgyzstan at 15,000-20,000 tonnes per month, which will help secure heating for the winter but does not address gasoline shortages at filling stations. Talks with Russia continue on transit issues.

Dependence Risk

Telegram channel author Yrysbek Osmonov described the situation as an attempt to break free from overdependence on Russian and Kazakh supplies. "Logistics are getting more expensive, wholesale prices are volatile, and every time the neighboring market sneezes, we get a runny nose in the form of price spikes at gas stations," he noted. Kyrgyzstan's domestic oil production covers only 7-15% of consumption.