# Central Asian energy diversification toward Iran

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/central-asian-energy-diversification-toward-iran
> Updated: 2026-10-07T07:59:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Central Asian nations are increasingly diversifying their energy supplies by turning to Iran for oil and petroleum products. This shift is driven by growing uncertainty regarding Russian fuel supplies, which have been impacted by refinery disruptions and shortages following Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.

Tajikistan has begun importing crude oil and petroleum from Iran to mitigate its heavy reliance on Russia, which previously accounted for over 90 percent of its oil imports. This move carries the potential risk of secondary sanctions from the United States, as the U.S. Treasury Department has intensified efforts to limit Iranian oil revenues.

Kyrgyzstan is also seeking alternatives, having reached an agreement with Tehran to receive crude oil supplies and establish a joint refinery. While Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, Tajikistan is not, yet both nations face similar vulnerabilities due to their historical dependence on Russian energy.

## Claims

- Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan have been most affected by the Russian fuel crisis. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tajikistan is receiving oil and petroleum products from Iran. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tehran agreed to establish a joint refinery in Kyrgyzstan and supply the country with crude oil. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Tajikistan has traditionally sourced up to 80 percent of its petroleum products from Russia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kyrgyzstan sources more than 90 percent of its petrol from Russia. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian energy infrastructure. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Iran expands oil presence in Central Asia amid Russian fuel crisis

Central Asian countries like Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan are turning to Iran for oil and petroleum as Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure disrupt traditional Russian fuel supplies.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iran-expands-oil-presence-in-central-asia-amid-russian-fuel-crisis

### 2026-10-04: Tajikistan imports Iranian oil to reduce Russian energy dependence

Tajikistan has started importing Iranian oil to reduce its 90 percent dependence on Russia, a move that risks secondary sanctions from the United States.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tajikistan-imports-iranian-oil-to-reduce-russian-energy-dependence

---
Cite as: Central Asian energy diversification toward Iran. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/central-asian-energy-diversification-toward-iran