Kyrgyzstan imposes indefinite ban on fuel exports to prevent shortages

The country's Cabinet of Ministers approved amendments to government regulations governing the import and export of fuel, replacing the previous time-limited restrictions with an open-ended measure.

According to local media outlet 24.kg, the ban will remain in force until the domestic market is fully supplied with petroleum products or until the common oil and petroleum products market of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) becomes operational. The restrictions cover crude oil, gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products.

The new rules provide several exceptions. Naphtha, fuel oil and heating oil may be exported by a separate decision of the Cabinet of Ministers under the customs procedure for processing goods outside the country, provided the processed products are subsequently returned to Kyrgyzstan. The restrictions also do not apply to fuel contained in the standard tanks of vehicles crossing the border.

At the same time, the government extended until 1 April 2027 an exemption from the temporary ban on importing certain types of crude oil and petroleum products by road.

The Cabinet of Ministers said the amendments are intended to ensure the stable functioning of the domestic fuel market, prevent shortages of petroleum products, strengthen the country's energy security and guarantee uninterrupted supplies for domestic consumers.

The decision comes amid ongoing fuel supply challenges. Russia, Kyrgyzstan's main supplier of fuel and lubricants, previously imposed temporary restrictions on exports of gasoline and other petroleum products.

In response, the Kyrgyz authorities have introduced fuel import subsidies, state price regulation and tax incentives for importers, while also seeking alternative sources of supply.

Kyrgyzstan has also recently appealed to Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan for assistance in securing fuel supplies to stabilize the domestic market. At the same time, the government is negotiating to diversify imports and expand domestic petroleum production.