Bishkek (TDI): Exports of fuel and lubricants from Kyrgyzstan to Afghanistan have significantly surged in early 2025, according to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan.
In the first quarter of the year, Kyrgyzstan exported over 40 million liters of gasoline and fuel oil to Afghanistan, a more than 100-fold increase in contrast to the corresponding period in 2024.
From January to March 2025, gasoline exports to Afghanistan’s Kunduz province hit $18.5 million in value, up from just 384,000 liters worth $212,000 a year earlier.
Afghanistan now accounts for more than 90 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s gasoline exports.
Uzbekistan is the second-largest importer, having received 2.5 million liters of gasoline worth $1 million in the same period. The average export price stands at nearly $0.50 per liter.
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It is important to mention that none of the exported gasoline is sourced from Russia. Under a bilateral deal, fuel imported from Russia on preferential terms, grades AI-92 and AI-95, is designated only for domestic use and is exempt from re-export.
These Russian fuels are delivered duty-free via Kazakhstan, keeping retail gasoline rates in the country around $0.80 per liter.
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According to the Oil Traders Association, the gasoline sent to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan typically includes the lower-cost AI-80 grade and fuel oil derived from local crude in southwestern Kyrgyzstan.
Last year, Kyrgyzstan received 630 million liters of gasoline worth $277 million, primarily from Russia, with smaller volumes from Kazakhstan.
Beyond fuel, Kyrgyzstan also provided other goods to Afghanistan, including approximately 8,000 tons of flour and vegetable oil annually and around 12,000 tons of construction materials like cement and metal structures.
In return, Kyrgyzstan imports about 200,000 units of Afghan goods annually, including dried fruits, nuts, textiles, carpets, and other handicrafts.
