Central Asian Media: Tajikistan Engages in Talks Over Fuel Imports from China
Facing a sharp decline in fuel imports, Tajikistan has begun negotiations with China regarding the import of gasoline and diesel. Currently, fuel prices in the country have risen, and diesel shortages have been reported at gas stations in the capital, Dushanbe. Both sides are exploring possible transportation routes and identifying which Tajikistani companies will be authorized to import petroleum products.
According to Asia-Plus, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan stated that Chinese fuel could be transported directly through the Kulma border crossing, or via neighboring countries in northern Tajikistan. Specific quantities and delivery schedules for future shipments remain undetermined, and pricing is still under discussion.
Dushanbe is also negotiating with other Central Asian nations to increase fuel imports and seeking supplies from Iraq. Although Tajikistan has already reached agreements with Iran on importing petroleum products and crude oil, implementation of these deals has been delayed due to ongoing armed conflicts in the region.
On July 29, President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan held talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan in Astana, during which they discussed increasing fuel supply from Kazakhstan. The discussions included the possibility of expanding Kazakhstan’s supply of petroleum products to the Tajik market. The Office of the Kazakhstani President stated that the two leaders addressed energy cooperation, as well as trade and logistics issues related to transportation.
On July 10, Tajikistan’s Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Daler Juma, said the country currently has fuel reserves sufficient to meet demand for about 60 days. He added that, apart from Russia—which remains Tajikistan’s primary fuel supplier—the government is also in talks with several other countries.
Over the past month, Tajikistan’s fuel imports have declined significantly. In the first half of this year, Russia supplied 72.3% of the fuel to Tajikistan’s market, while domestic refining output accounted for only about 0.5% of total supply.
Previously, the Central Asian Times reported that instability in the Russian fuel market has intensified competition for alternative fuel supplies across Central Asia and driven up costs for economies highly dependent on imports.
Author: Rayana Amankulova
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1872466683908105/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.