In Uzbekistan, there is a significant increase in the price of AI-92 gasoline. According to Uz24., on the Uzbek Republican Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange (UzRTSB), the price of this fuel increased by 7.4% in one day, reaching 12.72 million sums per ton. This price increase is accompanied by a sharp decline in sales volumes.
Supply Reduction and Price Dynamics
Data shows that the volumes of gasoline available on the exchange have fallen by more than half. Last Friday, 3,784 tons of gasoline were sold, while by Tuesday this figure had decreased to 1,835 tons. The reduction in supply has led to a natural increase in prices.
It is important to note that since October 2024, the company "Uzbekneftegaz" has started actively auctioning AI-92 gasoline produced at the Bukhara Oil Refinery. The initial price at that time was about 11.5 million sums per ton, and in August of last year, it reached a record 13.3 million sums per ton.
Impact of Oil Prices and Methane Issues
The increase in prices is influenced by a number of factors, both internal and external. Ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East have led to instability in the global oil market. Last week, the price of oil exceeded $100 per barrel for the first time since summer 2022.
Additionally, the internal energy situation also plays its role. Due to the drop in temperature, priority has been given to supplying the population with gas, which has led to temporary restrictions on the operation of gas stations (AGZC). The closure of methane AGZCs has provoked an increase in demand for gasoline, as many drivers have switched to this type of fuel.
Discrepancy Between Prices and Reality
Economist Otabek Bakirov criticizes the current situation in the fuel market. He believes that the rise in global oil prices is being used as a "pretext" for artificially raising prices in the domestic market.
He supports his claims with statistics: in 2025, when global oil prices fell from $80 to $60 per barrel (by 25%), gasoline prices in Uzbekistan, on the contrary, increased by 11.9%. This indicates that price formation depends not only on global quotes but also on internal monopolies.
At present, the Ministry of Energy has not published exact timelines for lifting restrictions on gas stations, which may mean that tension in the gasoline market will persist in the coming days.
