loading . . . Kazakhstan seeks new aviation fuel suppliers amid reduced Russian deliveries and rising prices Kazakhstan is actively seeking new suppliers for aviation fuel following a reduction in deliveries from Russia. On Friday, June 26, Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov announced that Astana is exploring the option of importing aviation fuel from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and China. The government is also negotiating with other countries, although Akkenzhenov declined to specify which ones.
According to the minister, Kazakhstan had planned to import 300,000 tons of aviation fuel from Russia but was only able to purchase 186,000 tons. Domestic production, he emphasized, fully meets the needs of Kazakh airlines, special services, and the Ministry of Defense. Imported fuel, including Russian supplies, is used exclusively for refueling foreign aircraft.
Just a day earlier, Deputy Minister of Trade Zhanel Kushukova announced plans to eliminate import duties on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel from third countries, especially China. The government cited a fuel shortage in Russia-which had been a key supplier to Kazakhstan-as the reason behind this decision.
Energy analysts see China as a potential reserve channel for aviation fuel. Sinologist Alexei Chigadayev, from the analytical center NEST, told The Insider that while Chinese fuel is unlikely to fully replace Russian supplies immediately, it could serve as a crucial backup. He noted that Russian fuel is typically more advantageous logistically, thanks to proximity, established railway logistics, and duty-free trade within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
"Chinese imports may not offer a price advantage, but they are an important insurance policy for Kazakhstan against Russian supply disruptions," Chigadayev explained. Deliveries can be launched relatively quickly, as aviation kerosene can be transported by rail tankers or trucks. The first test shipment from China to Kazakhstan was sent in December 2025. The primary constraints are not infrastructure but rather China’s export quotas, fuel certification requirements, and the availability of tank cars.
Chigadayev added that eliminating import duties technically opens the market to various third countries, not just China, so talk of increased Kazakh dependency on Beijing would be premature. “All of this does not undermine Russian influence in Kazakhstan but does encourage Astana to develop alternative supply channels. China could emerge as a key beneficiary,” he said. The political effect, he argued, is “indirect-gradually strengthening China’s role as a reliable backup supplier.”
Meanwhile, prices for Russian aviation kerosene are rising. According to the Telegram channel "Aviatorshchina," the airline “Azimut” complained about a severe fuel shortage-its supplier asked it to cut consumption by about a third due to “force majeure” situations at refineries, and other suppliers were unable to provide the needed volumes. Overall, kerosene prices at Russian airports have jumped by an average of 17%.
Reuters reports that Moscow is in discussions to purchase about 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan to compensate for shortages following Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries. The arrangement would involve an exchange: Kazakhstan would send Russia gasoline and, in return, receive Russian aviation fuel.
Kazakhstan is also considering expanding the transit of Russian oil to China through its territory. Proposals include building a “looping” section-a stretch of pipeline running parallel to the main one-and new pumping stations. This could increase oil transit by approximately 2.5 million tons, but no growth is expected this year, as the project still requires feasibility studies and construction work. https://www.uawire.org/kazakhstan-seeks-new-aviation-fuel-suppliers-amid-reduced-russian-deliveries-and-rising-prices
