Uzbekistan Imports Jet Fuel from Georgia, Iraq Amid Rising Demand

Uzbekistan is bolstering its jet fuel supply by importing from new sources like Georgia and Iraq to meet a projected 27% surge in demand for the second half of 2026. This increased need is largely attributed to a rise in transit flights traversing Central Asia, a trend influenced by geopolitical tensions.

The state-owned energy company, Uzbekneftegaz, has reported a strong performance in the first six months of 2026, surpassing production targets for natural gas, crude oil, diesel, and jet fuel. The company anticipates producing 1.1 million tonnes of gasoline, 983,000 tonnes of diesel, 310,000 tonnes of jet fuel, and 606,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas by year's end.

However, the country has also experienced a significant decrease in overall kerosene imports, falling 2.5-fold in the first half of the year. This decline coincides with a sharp rise in import prices, which averaged $1,393 per tonne in June, a 38.6% increase from the previous year. These price hikes are linked to global supply disruptions, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, which have impacted jet fuel costs since early 2026.

In response to these challenges, Uzbekistan Airways recently reduced flight frequencies on several routes to Russia, citing jet fuel shortages and escalating costs. The nation's strategy to manage this demand involves maximizing domestic refinery output while securing additional supplies from alternative international partners, aiming to ensure stability in its aviation fuel market.