Illustrative photo
According to the latest data from the Uzbek Republican Commodity Exchange (UzRTSB), the price of AI-92 gasoline on the exchange has increased by 7.4% and now stands at over 12.72 million sums per ton. This price increase coincides with a sharp decline in sales volumes.
Price Dynamics and Shortage
The volume of gasoline offered for sale has decreased by more than half. Last Friday, 3,784 tons were sold, but by Tuesday this figure had dropped to 1,835 tons. The reduction in market supply has naturally contributed to the rise in prices.
It should be noted that since October 2024, "Uzbekneftegaz" has begun actively selling AI-92 gasoline produced at the Bukhara Oil Refinery. The initial price at that time was about 11.5 million sums per ton, and in August of last year, it reached a record 13.3 million sums per ton.
Impact of External Factors on Prices
The rise in gasoline prices is due to a number of internal and external factors. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East has put pressure on the global oil market. Last week, the price of oil exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time since the summer of 2022.
Internal issues also play a role. With the drop in temperature, priority was given to ensuring the population with gas, which led to temporary restrictions on the operation of gas stations. The closure of methane refueling stations caused a sharp increase in demand for gasoline.
Discrepancy Between Reality and Prices
Economist Otabek Bakirov criticizes the current situation in the fuel market. He believes that the rise in global oil prices is being used as a "pretext" for artificially raising prices within the country.
The expert refers to statistics: in 2025, when global oil prices fell from $80 to $60 per barrel, gasoline prices in Uzbekistan, on the contrary, increased by 11.9%. This indicates that pricing is influenced not only by global quotes but also by internal monopolies.
At present, the Ministry of Energy has not announced the timeline for lifting restrictions on gas stations, leaving the gasoline market in a tense state.
