Russia’s jet fuel export ban will not disrupt supplies to Uzbekistan – Energy Ministry

The Russian export ban includes several specific exemptions. It does not apply to fuel carried in the technological tanks of aircraft in transit, shipments placed under customs procedures prior to the entry into force of the decree, or fuel delivered under existing intergovernmental agreements.

The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan confirmed that Russian jet fuel supplies will continue uninterrupted. Ministry officials noted that a binding bilateral intergovernmental agreement remains in force between Tashkent and Moscow, shielding Uzbekistan from the restriction. This mechanism has previously protected local markets; a similar Russian export ban on gasoline, enacted from April 1 to July 31 to stabilize prices, likewise bypassed Uzbekistan due to the same intergovernmental framework.

The supply security comes as Uzbekistan actively reviews its broader transport infrastructure. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently inspected a presentation on aviation infrastructure, focusing on fuel availability for the civil aviation sector. The total capacity of fueling complexes across the country's airports currently stands at 49,000 tons.

Uzbekistan plans to expand its domestic aviation fuel capabilities significantly. By 2030, the government aims to boost national jet fuel production to 600,000 tons per year and increase total storage capacity to 80,000 tons. Achieving this target will involve constructing new fuel storage facilities at the international airports in Navoi, Andijan, Bukhara, Urgench, and New Tashkent.