Readers informed 24.kg news agency that it is almost impossible to buy AI 95 gasoline in Bishkek and regions.
According to them, shortage of this type of fuel has been observed since the summer. The situation has become quite difficult now. While it is still possible to find AI 95 at large gas stations, it is not available at all at small and medium-sized ones.
Kanat Eshatov, head of the Association of Oil Traders of Kyrgyzstan, confirmed to 24.kg news agency that there are problems. This happened because of the shortage of this type of fuel in Russia, from where the Kyrgyz Republic imports it.
«This problem did not arise today. We have been talking about it for a long time. We simply cannot buy as much as we want. The number of refineries that sell AI 95 and the volumes offered for sale have been reduced. They have a shortage themselves now. Therefore, fuel is primarily redistributed within Russia itself,» Kanat Eshatov said.
He also told that the shortage arose due to repairs at oil refineries in Russia. They are all gradually switching to Russian components. It is impossible to use European ones because of the imposed sanctions. Therefore, the process is being delayed.
«It’s difficult to say now when supplies will stabilize. Until Russian refineries fully carry out all repair work, the shortage of AI 95 will continue. Large chains continue to import this type of gasoline, but small and medium-sized chains do not. Therefore, large gas stations have increased demand for it. If earlier, for example, three tank trucks were delivered, now four are needed. Sometimes they simply do not have time to deliver 95 gasoline to gas stations,» the head of the Association of Oil Traders said.
He noted that AI 95 accounts for less than 10 percent in the structure of fuel consumption in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, its shortage will not pose any serious problems. Most people (more than 85 percent) in the country use AI 92 gasoline. There are no supply problems with it. There is fuel in stock, oil traders continue to buy and deliver it. But wholesale prices are still rising little by little.
