Russia to increase diesel supplies to Tajikistan by 100,000 tons

Tajikistan has secured additional diesel supplies from Russia after using its previously allocated quota under a bilateral fuel agreement. Under the renewed agreement, Russian diesel supplies are expected to increase by 100,000 tons, AnewZ reported.

Following the increase, Tajikistan’s total diesel imports this year will reach 550,000 tons, according to industry sources. The country relies mainly on imported oil products because of its limited domestic refining capacity and is seeking to maintain a stable fuel supply for its economy.

Under the agreement, the total volume of fuel products that can be supplied duty-free from Russia to Tajikistan this year will exceed 1.2 million tons. The package includes gasoline, aviation fuel, liquefied petroleum gas, bitumen, petroleum coke and fuel oil, as well as diesel.

Russia currently restricts gasoline and diesel exports to many international markets. Exceptions apply to countries covered by bilateral duty-free fuel agreements and members of the Eurasian Economic Union. Tajikistan is not a member of the union, but holds direct annual talks with Russia on fuel supplies and continues to buy oil products on preferential terms.

Energy traders estimate that more than 370,000 tons of diesel were shipped from Russia to Tajikistan in the first 10 months of the year. The additional supplies are expected to help meet winter demand and support transport, industry and agriculture.

In recent months, Tajikistan has also sought to diversify its energy import sources. Amid fluctuations in supplies from Russia, the country’s authorities have explored opportunities to buy additional oil products from Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Belarus to strengthen energy security and reduce the risk of shortages.

The agreement reflects a broader trend in Central Asia, where countries are seeking alternative sources while maintaining long-term ties with Russian suppliers. For Tajikistan, additional diesel from Russia offers short-term stability, particularly as fuel demand rises and governments in the region seek to maintain adequate reserves. At the same time, efforts to broaden supply sources indicate that Dushanbe does not want to become overly dependent on a single supplier.