Kazakhstan Tightens Fuel Export Controls Amid Regional Shortages

Kazakhstan has introduced new border restrictions that limit light and heavy vehicles to a single crossing per day in an effort to curb fuel and lubricant exports. Deputy Energy Minister Kayrhan Tutkishaev said the measures, announced at a July 7 press conference, aim to maintain balanced domestic fuel consumption amid rising demand at the country’s southern, eastern and northern frontiers.

The government is also preparing a draft order to extend its fuel export ban for an additional six months, from November 2026 to May 2027, to secure domestic supplies of gasoline and diesel for households, industry and transport. The proposal highlights concerns over potential shortages and price volatility.

Neighbouring Kyrgyzstan, which relies entirely on imported fuel, has begun negotiations with Uzbekistan, Belarus and China to secure stable supplies of petroleum products after Russia imposed a temporary ban on fuel exports and Kazakhstan tightened its own export controls. The Kyrgyz Energy Minister noted ongoing talks and positive responses from the three countries.

Russia, facing its own fuel crisis after attacks on refineries, is negotiating with Kazakhstan to import up to 50 000 tonnes of gasoline as humanitarian assistance. The regional dynamics underscore a broader fuel security challenge across Central Asia.