Kyrgyzstan Seeks Alternatives to Russian Fuel: Turkmenistan Could Become a Key Partner
The government of Kyrgyzstan has begun active work to diversify its supply of fuels and lubricants against the backdrop of ongoing dependence on Russian fuel and increasing instability in the global energy market. As reported by open.kg, citing the Ministry of Energy of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek has sent official requests for cooperation to six countries, including Turkmenistan.
The list of countries invited to expand interaction in the supply of petroleum products includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.
The Ministry of Energy of Kyrgyzstan assures that the current situation in the domestic market remains stable. According to the agency, the republic possesses sufficient stocks of fuels and lubricants, and deliveries under previously concluded contracts are continuing as normal. State authorities monitor fuel volumes and prices at filling stations on a daily basis.
However, the authorities acknowledge the country's high degree of dependence on external suppliers. Currently, Kyrgyzstan imports up to 95% of its petroleum products, with the majority traditionally arriving from Russia. Under the current Russian fuel export ban and restrictive quotas within the Eurasian Economic Union, Bishkek is forced to seek new logistical and trade solutions.
Against this background, particular attention is being paid to Turkmenistan, which possesses some of the largest natural gas reserves and a developed petrochemical industry in Central Asia. In recent years, Ashgabat has been actively expanding energy cooperation with countries in the region and increasing its exports of petroleum products, which makes it a potentially important partner for Kyrgyzstan.
An additional signal of market tension was a statement by the Association of Oil Traders of Kyrgyzstan regarding a local shortage of high-octane AI-95 gasoline at certain filling stations. At the same time, according to market participants, stocks of the most in-demand AI-92 gasoline remain at a level sufficient for 30–45 days.
In parallel, the Kyrgyz authorities intend to strengthen domestic production capacities. The ministries have been instructed to work out options for increasing the utilization of the Junda oil refinery in the Chuy region to partially reduce dependence on imports.
