Kyrgyzstan asks neighbours for help with fuel supplies as Russian shortages bite

By Aigerim Turgunbaeva

BISHKEK, July 2 (Reuters) – Kyrgyzstan asked Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan late on Wednesday to help ensure stable fuel supplies, amid concerns about possible fuel shortages linked to Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.

The Central Asian country of 7 million imports more than 90% of its gasoline from Russia, which is facing severe fuel shortages following Ukraine’s attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow might ban diesel exports, acknowledging growing domestic shortages.

In the statement made by the Kyrgyzstan energy ministry, “Official requests were sent to the relevant government officials of the Russian Federation, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to ensure sustainable fuel supply.” The statement was included.

The ministry said fuel stocks are sufficient and supplies are continuing as planned. In June, Kyrgyz authorities imposed price controls on some retail fuel sales.

The Kyrgyz oil traders association also said there was a shortage of AI-95 gasoline at some filling stations, but stocks of the more commonly used AI-92 grade were sufficient for 30 to 45 days. Diesel fuel, critical for the harvest season, remains available.

Like other Central Asian countries whose economies are intertwined with Russia, Kyrgyzstan has been subject to periodic inflation shocks since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, while also becoming a major clearinghouse for trade with Russia driven by Western sanctions.

(Reporting by Aigerim Turgunbaeva, Writing by Felix Light and Louise Heavens)