Central Asian Nations Turn to Iran as Russian Fuel Shortages Mount

Russian fuel crisis drives Central Asian oil imports

Russia is experiencing a severe fuel deficit after Ukrainian drone attacks damaged 25-50 % of its refining capacity. The government has imposed rationing, limited exports and relaxed fuel-quality rules to cope with the shortage.

Iran steps in to fill the gap

Tajikistan announced in August that it was receiving 2.55 million tonnes of oil and petroleum products from Iran, a country that has struggled to export crude due to a U.S. naval blockade. The route to Tajikistan involves rail transport through Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Joint refinery proposal in Kyrgyzstan

Iran’s president welcomed a proposal from Kyrgyzstan to establish a joint refinery. Under the agreement, Iran would supply the crude needed for the refinery, and the finished products would be split between the two sides.

Context and implications

Central Asian states such as Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have historically relied on Russian fuel, with Tajikistan sourcing up to 80 % and Kyrgyzstan over 90 % of petroleum products from Moscow. The shift to Iranian supplies may reduce their dependence on Russia, but the durability of the new supply chain is unclear.