Kyrgyzstan hunts for suppliers, Uzbek prices climb, Kazakhstan guards its market

20260708 bishkek gas

As Russia tightens energy exports after Ukrainian drone strikes on its refineries, Kyrgyzstan is facing shortages of premium-grade gasoline, with consumers now turning to standard grade. (Photo by Ilkham Umarakhunov)

YEVGENIYA MIKHAILIDI and ILKHAM UMARAKHUNOV

ISTANBUL/BISHKEK — Central Asia’s fuel markets are absorbing the shock of Russia’s refinery crisis, with higher-octane gasoline shortages reported in Kyrgyzstan, prices rising in Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan tightening controls to protect its own market.