Ministry of Energy Denies Rumors of Kazakh Gasoline Supplies to Uzbekistan

The Kazakh Ministry of Energy has clarified the origin of reports about gasoline supplies to Uzbekistan, Orda.kz reports.

According to the Ministry, the ban on fuel exports from Kazakhstan is being strictly enforced — gasoline is not exported to Uzbekistan or any other country. The Ministry did not comment on illegal exports but emphasized that it is combating smuggling.

Officials explained that the statistics cited by some media outlets referred to a one-time measure the government took in the spring of 2025. At that time, “excess” gasoline that could not be stored was sold to Uzbekistan.

In April–May, given the availability of domestic fuel reserves, a targeted decision was made to export surplus AI-92 gasoline. This is standard international practice. It allows for the optimization of storage facilities and generates additional tax revenue for the budget. And since June, exports have been completely suspended in order to accumulate strategic reserves ahead of scheduled refinery maintenance, the Ministry of Energy stated.

The Ministry added that the export ban has helped significantly increase the country’s fuel reserves. By early summer, AI-92 reserves had grown by nearly 70%, and diesel reserves by 78%. The fuel market is currently stable, with no shortages.

Earlier, we reported that due to fuel shortages in Russia and price differences with neighboring countries, the illegal export of gasoline from Kazakhstan could become an even more serious problem than usual.

Original Author: Nikita Drobny