Dushanbe, 6 September 2024 (TDI): Tajikistan is looking to establish a strategic partnership with Russia’s Tatneft to set up an oil refinery in the Dangara free economic zone, located in the Khatlon region.
The announcement was made by Tajikistan’s Minister of Industry and New Technologies, Sherali Kabir, during a recent investment forum between Tajik and Russian companies in Dushanbe.
“One of the most important aspects of cooperation between our countries is enhancing production capacities, including the manufacturing of fuel and lubricants,” Kabir stated.
“If we launch this enterprise with Tatneft, it will significantly boost our industrial development.”
The collaboration is seen as a potential gateway for Tatneft to enter the markets of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Timur Yoribek, Head of the International Relations Department of the Ministry of Industry of Tajikistan, emphasized, “With up to 30% of Tatneft’s raw materials already being exported, processing them here in Tajikistan could unlock massive markets — 40 million people in Afghanistan and over 230 million in Pakistan.”
Yoribek also noted that Tajikistan’s geographical position provides ideal logistics, with seven bridges linking to Afghanistan and the shortest routes to Pakistani seaports.
Dengara Oil Refinery
Construction of the Dangara oil refinery began in 2014 and was completed in 2018, with a planned capacity of 1.2 million tons of oil per year.
However, commissioning has been delayed due to a shortage of raw materials, as Tajikistan’s domestic oil production is insufficient to meet the refinery’s needs.
