Kazakhstan is poised to implement a shift in its fuel pricing policy, targeting foreign citizens as outlined in a draft order by the country's Ministry of Energy. The proposed adjustment will see an increase in prices for gasoline and diesel fuel specifically for non-residents, a move aimed at maintaining fuel balance in the domestic market and curbing the risk of illicit fuel exports.
According to the draft document, the price of AI-92 and AI-93 gasoline for foreign nationals will be fixed at 245 tenge ($0.55) per liter. Similarly, the price of diesel fuel is set to rise to 315 tenge ($0.70) per liter.
In contrast, local consumers in Kazakhstan will continue to enjoy the current pricing structure, with gasoline priced at 205 tenge ($0.46) per liter for volumes up to 300 liters per day, upon presentation of a valid driver’s license and vehicle registration certificate issued within the country. Furthermore, Kazakhstani citizens will retain access to diesel fuel at the existing price of 295 tenge ($0.66) per liter.
The draft order underscores Kazakhstan's current status as the country with the lowest fuel prices within the Eurasian Economic Union, a factor contributing to the heightened risk of fuel diversion and illicit export. By recalibrating fuel prices for foreign citizens, authorities aim to align pricing structures more closely with regional norms and mitigate the incentive for fuel smuggling activities.
Comparative price data provided in the draft order highlights the disparity in fuel costs across neighboring countries. For instance, in Tashkent, the capital city of Uzbekistan, the price of AI-92 gasoline stands at approximately UZS 10,500 ($0.83) per liter, higher than the proposed rate for foreign citizens in Kazakhstan. Similarly, in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, the price of AI-92 gasoline is approximately 63.25 soms ($0.71) per liter, while in Orenburg, Russia, the cost of AI-92 gasoline is 49.35 rubles ($0.53) per liter.
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