Over the first six months of this year, gasoline has risen in price more than all other goods in Tajikistan, according to the Agency for Statistics under the President of Tajikistan.
Over the reporting period, an average price of gasoline has risen 44.5 percent in Tajikistan. Last month, an average price of gasoline reportedly rose 2.2 percent in the country.
Usually, three brands of gasoline are delivered to Tajikistan: 92-octane gasoline; 95-octane gasoline; and 98-octane gasoline.
The most sought-after grade of automobile gas in Tajikistan is the 92-octane gasoline for the simple reason that this grade is cheaper for motorists.
Tajikistan is the poorest country in Central Asia and the COVID-19 pandemic had a significantly adverse impact on its economy, increasing the number of poor people in the country.
The price of one liter of 92-octane gasoline in Dushanbe has risen from 9.17 somonis in April to 9.5 somonis, with similar price rises in other parts of the country.
Other types of motor fuel have also risen in prices over the first six months of this year. The prices of diesel fuel and liquefied natural gas (LNG) have reportedly risen 31.7 percent and 20.1 percent over the first six months of this year, respectively.
Over the first six months of this year, Tajikistan has reportedly imported nearly US$146 million worth of about 262 million tons of petroleum products, which was 11 percent fewer by weight and 1.1 percent fewer by cost compared to the same period last year.
Russia provides the bulk of Tajikistan’s gasoline and diesel fuel imports, while Kazakhstan provides the bulk of Tajikistan LNG imports.
Petroleum product suppliers say the main reason for the increase in gas prices across the country is devaluation of the national currency, the somoni.
Recall, Russian media reports said on July 23 that Russia is ready to introduce a ban on gasoline exports amid record-high wholesale prices on the exchange.
