Fuel Imports from Russia and Belarus to Afghanistan and Central Asia Increase by More Than 50 Percent

Imports of fuel from Russia and Belarus into Afghanistan and Central Asia have grown significantly through railway transportation in the early part of 2026.

Data indicates that the volume of petroleum product imports to the region via rail rose by more than 50 percent during the first three months of the year. The total shipments for the January to March period reached 3.347 million metric tons.

This growth in fuel imports is linked to changes in Russia's export strategies. The country has been redirecting its energy resources away from the European continent. This move follows the sanctions placed by the European Union on Russian petroleum products in February 2023. With these sanctions in place, Afghanistan and Central Asia have taken on a greater role as a key market for Russian fuel exports.

The situation has been further influenced by disruptions in the Middle East. The war in Iran has resulted in lower oil supplies from that region, leading to higher imports from Russia and Belarus to meet regional needs.

Meanwhile, a temporary ban on gasoline exports has been enacted by Russia. The ban is to remain until the end of July. Despite the ban, exemptions have been granted to many Central Asian countries that hold intergovernmental agreements for fuel supply with Russia.

These developments highlight the shifting patterns in global energy trade and their impact on Afghanistan and the broader Central Asian region.