Kyrgyzstan has imposed a ban on oil exports to stabilize the market
Kyrgyzstan has temporarily banned the export of oil and oil products to stabilize the domestic market amid a reduction in oil refining in Russia, from where the country receives most of its fuel.
From July 14, the authorities of Kyrgyzstan have prohibited the export of oil and certain oil products by road and rail. This decision remains in effect until the saturation of the domestic market or the creation of joint oil markets within the Eurasian Economic Union. The ban does not apply to oil, fuel oil, and heating fuel, which can be exported for processing outside the customs territory with the return of the products. Until April 1, 2027, restrictions on the import of certain oil products by road transport have also been lifted.
Kyrgyzstan relies on fuel supplies from Russia, which have become complicated due to reduced production at Russian refineries caused by drone strikes. In June, there was a noted shortage of AI-95 and AI-98 gasoline due to supply constraints and seasonal demand. At the end of June, the authorities temporarily regulated fuel prices, and on July 7, canceled price controls on AI-95.
To overcome the crisis, Kyrgyzstan has begun seeking alternative supply sources in Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, and is also expecting oil from China. Additionally, the country is increasing its own production: in the first five months of this year, gasoline output increased by 53%, and diesel fuel by 69%.
| Period | Gasoline production volume | Diesel production volume |
| January–May 2023 | 101.2 thousand tons | 102.8 thousand tons |
| Change, % | +53% | +69% |
The oil supply crisis in Russia is affecting Central Asian countries, which rely on Russian resources. Gasoline production in Russia covers only 65% of domestic demand, impacting market stability in neighboring countries.
