Fuel Smuggling Attempts Rise Amid Regional Shortages

Kazakhstan’s National Security Committee (KNB) has reported a sharp increase in attempts to smuggle fuel out of the country amid growing concerns over regional shortages, Orda.kz reports.

The figures come as the effects of Russia’s gasoline shortage begin to spread across Central Asia.

According to the KNB, border officers stopped 1,342 attempts to illegally transport fuel and lubricants out of Kazakhstan between July 1 and July 21. More than 112 tons of fuel were seized.

The committee said all those involved had been held accountable. It added that the inspections were intended to protect Kazakhstan’s energy security and curb the illegal fuel trade.

Original author: Alexander Smolin

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