Fuel Prices Rise in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan After Russian Refinery Disruptions

Fuel prices have risen in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan after disruptions at Russian refineries cut regional supplies. Governments in the three countries are seeking alternative imports from Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, China, and Iran while trying to limit effects on domestic markets.

Kazakhstan has so far avoided severe shortages, though much of its gas processing and export infrastructure remains tied to Russia. Officials across the region have told consumers that supplies are sufficient and that prices should ease once global disruptions stabilize.

Amangeldiev, first deputy prime minister of Kyrgyzstan, said rising fuel prices are unavoidable given current geopolitical conditions. "There is an opportunity not to raise prices sharply, but to increase them gradually, by 1 som every two weeks," Amangeldiev said. One Kyrgyz som equals just over one U.S. cent.