Fuel prices have significantly risen in Tajikistan, and most likely, this trend will continue in the near future as well.
The growth in fuel prices at gas stations in the country has been observed since the beginning of the year, but over the past week, the price increase has become more noticeable.
The price for one liter of 92-octane gasoline in Dushanbe has risen from 6.50 somonis on January 1 to 8.10 somonis (24.6-percent increase), with similar price rises in other regions of the country.
Over the reporting period, the price for one liter of 95-octane gasoline has risen in the Tajik capital 21.7 percent (from 6.90 somonis to 8.40 somonis), and the price for one liter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Dushanbe has risen from 4.25 somonis on January 1 to 4.50 somonis (7.0-percent increase).
Compared to Dushanbe, fuel prices in Khalton and Sughd provinces are 2.0-3.0 percent more expensive subject to additional costs. In the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO), fuel prices are 8.0-10 percent more expensive compared to Dushanbe.
According to analysts' forecast, the price of one liter of 92-octane gasoline will rise to 9.0 somonis by the end of March.
Officials at fuel supply companies say the price hike has resulted from the rising cost of petroleum products in Russia, which provides the bulk of Tajikistan’s fuel and imports and the rising international prices of oil.
Besides, the gasoline price hike has reportedly resulted from the decrease in the volume of oil refining in Russia against the backcloth of the coronavirus pandemic.
Experts note that it cannot be ruled out that the rise in prices for petroleum products will continue this month on the eve of the start of spring field work.
The rising gas prices will lead to increase in the prices for basic food products in the country.
Last year, Tajikistan imported 234,000 tons of gasoline, which was nearly 37 percent more than in 2019. 35 companies were engaged in delivering petroleum products to Tajikistan last year.
According to official statistics, Tajikistan imported about US$20 million worth of about 44,000 tons of petroleum products in January this year, which is 25 percent fewer compared to same period last year.
