Key facts
- Central Asian fuel markets are impacted by Russia's refinery crisis due to Ukrainian drone strikes.
- Kyrgyzstan is facing shortages of high-octane gasoline and has implemented price controls.
- Tajikistan is experiencing fuel price spikes and is exploring Iranian imports.
- Uzbekistan has reduced flights to Russia due to jet fuel scarcity.
- Kazakhstan has sufficient fuel but is considering Chinese imports as a hedge.
- Russia has banned gasoline and jet fuel exports and is reportedly 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. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to continue and expand drone offensives against Russian energy infrastructure.