Speaking on the Kabar news agency's podcast, Kasymaliev said the issue was discussed during talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov.
According to the Kyrgyz official, the country imports more than 90% of its fuel. He said fuel prices have risen sharply due to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East, while supplies from Russia are no longer as reliable as they once were.
As a result, Kyrgyzstan is holding negotiations with Russia, Belarus, China, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, as well as several European countries and Turkey to diversify its fuel imports.
Kasymaliev said Belarus is already helping supply fuel, while the first five trucks carrying petroleum products have arrived from China. He added that Kyrgyzstan is also seeking to establish fuel deliveries from China by rail, with negotiations on that issue still ongoing. Talks are also underway with Azerbaijan.
"We also held talks with Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov. They have the capacity to supply up to 20,000 tonnes of fuel per month," Kasymaliev said.
The country is also importing fuel from Europe and Turkey, although those deliveries are complicated by transit restrictions. Kasymaliev noted that rising global petroleum prices have also driven up transportation costs.
He added that the government continues to subsidize diesel fuel, liquefied petroleum gas and AI-92 gasoline to prevent a sharp increase in domestic prices.
At the same time, Kasymaliev warned that fuel prices in Kyrgyzstan would gradually increase.
According to him, diesel fuel and AI-92 gasoline currently cost 20–25 soms less in Kyrgyzstan than in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with the price difference being covered by the republican budget.
