With the beginning of 2026, drivers in Kyrgyzstan received an unexpected reason for optimism: the price of a liter of gasoline at popular gas stations has decreased by 2–3 soms. However, experts warn that one should not rush to conclusions about whether this is a sustainable trend. The current price correction is a temporary phenomenon caused by seasonal declines in activity and short-term fluctuations in foreign markets, rather than a significant improvement in the economic situation.
The key factor of uncertainty remains the situation in Russia, which is the main supplier of fuel for Kyrgyzstan. The Russian oil products market is experiencing instability: due to technical malfunctions and external attacks, more than a third of refining capacities (about 30–38%) have been rendered inoperative. This circumstance has contributed to a sharp rise in prices on the exchange, which exceeded 80,000 rubles per ton in 2025. In response to the shortages affecting many regions of Russia, the authorities in Moscow were forced not only to ban exports but also to start purchasing gasoline from Belarus and Asian countries.
At the moment, although there are no direct restrictions on supplies to Kyrgyzstan, the overall instability in Russia poses a threat to our market in the medium term. Any reduction in production volumes in Russia automatically affects the availability of fuel for import.
Nevertheless, Kyrgyz suppliers are currently managing the situation. Thanks to reserves and an adaptive purchasing strategy, the country is not experiencing shortages, allowing consumers to see pleasant prices for gasoline at gas stations. However, experts caution: this "price respite" may be short-lived, especially if seasonal demand increases and the situation at Russian plants does not improve.
