Iran, Tajikistan Seal Long-Term Oil Import Deal Amid Russia Supply Disruptions
Tajikistan, under pressure from Russian oil supply disruptions due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, has turned to Iran as an alternative supplier. The two countries have finalized a framework for a long-term agreement to export Iranian oil products, including diesel fuel, jet fuel, and crude oil, to energy-starved Tajikistan.
The announcement comes after the signing of an agreement between Tajikistan, Iran, and Afghanistan to establish a logistics corridor through Afghanistan. This new route aims to facilitate overland shipments of Iranian commercial cargo to Tajikistan, which would help alleviate the country's fuel shortages.
Tajikistan's Minister of Energy and Water, Daler Juma, met with his Iranian counterparts in Tehran on August 15 to discuss the possibility of importing Iranian oil products. According to RFE/RL's Tajik Service, Ozodi, Juma stated that Tajikistan had fuel reserves that would last for around 60 days, but prices across the country have escalated, and some regions are experiencing shortages of diesel fuel.
The agreement also aims to address logistics issues, as Tajikistan's trade with Iran primarily transits through the South Caucasus, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. However, a route through Afghanistan may not be secure enough in the short term due to ongoing conflict in the region.