Russian Diesel Returns, but Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Remain Exposed

According to Reuters (citing trade sources), Russia sharply increased diesel supplies to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in August 2026. The figures were also carried by Times of Central Asia and Asia-Plus.

August volumes

Diesel to Kyrgyzstan rose from 4,400 tonnes in July to over 72,000 tonnes in August; to Tajikistan it climbed from 16,000 to more than 56,000 tonnes — about 3.5 times. Kazakhstan received 28,000 tonnes in August (none in July). Total regional supply rose from ~145,000 to over 370,000 tonnes.

Why it returned

In August, Ukrainian drones repeatedly struck Russian oil refineries, pushing refining capacity to its lowest in more than two decades. In response Russia banned diesel exports (extended to 30 September), but the ban exempted former Soviet republics and Mongolia under intergovernmental agreements.

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Why they are exposed

Per Times of Central Asia and Asia-Plus, in the first half of 2026 Tajikistan sourced 91.1% of its petroleum-product imports from Russia (of 599,500 tonnes). Kyrgyzstan also imports the majority from Russia. Both import nearly all their fuel, so disruptions at Russian refineries quickly feed into prices.

Prices

In Tajikistan a litre of diesel cost ~11 somoni in early June; it rose to 17–18 somoni (~$1.90) by late July and averaged 16.5 somoni as of 31 August. Across the region, retail gasoline in dollar terms rose 15–25% year-on-year.

Important note

These figures are trader estimates reported by Reuters ("more than 72,000 tonnes"), not official customs data. Kyrgyzstan's exact dependence percentage is not given in the sources.

In brief

• Kyrgyzstan: 4,400 → 72,000+ tonnes (August)
• Tajikistan: 16,000 → 56,000+ tonnes (~3.5x)
• Kazakhstan: 0 → 28,000 tonnes
• Tajik dependence: 91.1% of imports from Russia (H1 2026)
• Cause: refinery strikes + export ban (CIS exempt)
• Tajik diesel: 11 → 17–18 → 16.5 somoni/litre