BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 18. Kyrgyz companies
have signed contracts to import aviation fuel and diesel from
China, with the first fuel shipments already delivered to
Kyrgyzstan.
The development was announced by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet
of Ministers and Minister of Water Resources, Agriculture and
Processing Industry Erlist Akunbekov during a visit to China's
Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, according to the Kyrgyz
government.
Akunbekov said the main objective of the visit was to establish
direct contacts between Kyrgyz and Chinese companies operating in
the petroleum products sector and accelerate fuel and lubricant
supplies to Kyrgyzstan.
“Some of them have already begun cooperation with Chinese
companies,” Akunbekov said, adding that the first fuel shipments
had been successfully delivered to Kyrgyzstan.
The Kyrgyz and Chinese sides also held working meetings on
transportation, customs clearance and other issues related to fuel
supplies.
Akunbekov said representatives of Kyrgyz businesses involved in
petroleum products were part of the delegation visiting China.
Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan has been working to diversify its fuel
supply sources amid changes in regional petroleum product markets.
The country remains highly dependent on imports, with Russia
accounting for the overwhelming majority of fuel and lubricant
supplies. In July, Kyrgyz authorities began seeking additional
supplies from several countries, including China, Belarus,
Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. The government
has also taken measures to facilitate imports and strengthen fuel
reserves. In late July, Kyrgyzstan and Russia agreed on monthly
supplies of 100,000 tons of fuel and lubricants through the end of
2026, while deliveries from alternative suppliers, including China
and Belarus, have also begun.
