Key facts
- Central Asian fuel markets are affected by Russia's refinery crisis.
- Kyrgyzstan is experiencing shortages of high-octane gasoline.
- Uzbekistan has seen fuel prices rise, with diesel costs increasing sharply.
- Tajikistan relies heavily on Russia for fuel and is exploring Iranian imports.
- Kazakhstan has sufficient fuel reserves but is considering Chinese imports as a hedge.
- Russia has banned gasoline and jet fuel exports and is considering imports.
Central Asia's fuel markets are experiencing significant disruptions as Russia tightens energy exports following escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries. Kyrgyzstan is facing shortages of premium-grade gasoline, with consumers resorting to standard grades, and state regulators have implemented price controls. In Uzbekistan, prices for all fuel types have spiked, with a notable increase in diesel costs, leading Uzbek Airways to cut back on Russia-bound flights due to jet fuel scarcity. Tajikistan, heavily reliant on Russia for nearly all its fuel, is exploring potential imports from Iran. Kazakhstan, possessing its own substantial energy reserves and refining capacity, reports sufficient supplies for over a month, though authorities are considering purchasing fuel from China as a hedge against future shocks. Russia has banned gasoline and jet fuel exports to mitigate domestic shortages and is reportedly exploring importing refined products from other countries, a rare move for the major oil exporter. The International Energy Agency has described the disruption to Russia's refining capacity as unprecedented, with gasoline production down significantly from the previous year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to continue and expand drone offensives against Russian energy infrastructure.