Kyrgyzstan Bans Fuel Exports While Easing Import Restrictions

Kyrgyzstan has imposed a ban on fuel exports, extending the restriction to fellow members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). According to the Kommersant news portal, the measure will remain in place until the domestic market is adequately supplied.

At the same time, the government has lifted restrictions on imports of selected petroleum products until April 2027. The only exceptions to the export ban are diesel fuel and heating oil sent abroad for processing, provided the refined products are returned to Kyrgyzstan.

In May, the government introduced emergency subsidies for fuel suppliers to offset higher purchase costs, with the program set to run through the end of September. However, market conditions remain unstable. On 8 July, the cabinet abandoned state regulation of AI-95 gasoline prices and scrapped retail price caps on fuels and lubricants in an effort to attract foreign suppliers.

Kyrgyzstan imports up to 90% of its fuel from Russia, but supplies have also been affected by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, contributing to shortages on the domestic market.

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