Ukrainian Drone Strikes Impact Fuel Prices in Tajikistan

Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries have contributed to a significant rise in fuel prices in Tajikistan, according to government sources in the Central Asian country. The strikes have disrupted contracted supplies from Russia, exacerbating the fuel shortage and driving up costs in the market, as reported by a source from Tajikistan's anti-monopoly service.

In Tajikistan's capital, Dushanbe, fuel prices have surged notably since early October. Reuters monitoring indicated an increase in prices with A-95 by 3.54%, AI-92 by 3.68%, diesel by 5.58%, and LPG by 5.81%. Prices outside the capital were reportedly even higher, as the country grapples with its economic ties to Russia for fuel resources.

Impact across the region has been profound, as all Central Asian former Soviet republics navigate the economic consequences of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine's drone offensive is believed to have significantly weakened Moscow's refining infrastructure. This ripple effect has led Kazakhstan to freeze fuel prices and utility tariffs, and Kyrgyzstan has warned of potential fuel price hikes by up to 15% due to a supply crunch.