Bishkek, Aug. 21, 2026 /Kabar/. Kyrgyz authorities are compensating the difference between the actual cost of fuel and lubricants and retail prices. Fuel is currently purchased abroad at significantly higher prices than before due to a shortage of petroleum products, while at gas stations in Kyrgyzstan it is sold at significantly lower prices than the actual cost. The difference, depending on the type of petroleum product, ranges from 25 to 37 soms per liter. The government of the republic has already allocated over a billion soms for these purposes.
Economics and business expert Sergei Ponomarev noted that subsidies to the fuel and lubricants sector should, first and foremost, be viewed as effective government measures aimed at supporting the population and the economy of Kyrgyzstan. Funds allocated to curbing inflation are justified, as the costs incurred by the population due to a likely avalanche-like price increase would have caused much more serious damage, impacted living standards, and could have unbalanced the economy.
"This is truly a much-needed measure and is more relevant than ever, especially today. The harvest is beginning, the autumn harvest, and a 30 percent increase in diesel fuel prices, as could have happened, would definitely lead to higher prices for fruits and vegetables, and not just now; this would also impact next year's harvest.
Fuel and lubricants are included in the cost of virtually every product and service. The modern economy is structured in such a way that the logistics of moving goods are, of course, tied to the need to refuel trucks, and the more expensive fuel, the higher the prices in stores. Therefore, it's about curbing inflation, not just food security; it's about supporting the population and businesses. Moreover, fuel has been exempted from a number of taxes. We now see that these steps by the republic's leadership are allowing us to avoid serious difficulties," concluded Sergei Ponomarev.
