Tajikistan turns to Iran as Russian fuel supplies collapse
Tajikistan has turned to Iran for oil and petroleum products as Russia’s fuel supplies dwindle. The Central Asian nation began importing from Iran in late August, following talks in Tehran on August 15 between Tajik and Iranian energy officials. Tajikistan requested up to 2.55 million tons of fuel annually, including crude oil, diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel, along with discounted prices and dedicated rail transport.
The shift comes as Russia, Tajikistan’s primary fuel supplier, faces shortages due to Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. Moscow’s diesel export ban and reduced supplies have caused fuel scarcity in Tajikistan, with prices spiking to $1.40-$1.66 per liter. The country’s limited domestic refining capacity leaves it vulnerable to supply disruptions.
Despite strained relations in the past, Tajikistan and Iran have warmed ties recently, culminating in a state visit by Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in January 2025. However, logistical challenges remain, as Tajikistan and Iran do not share a border, requiring rail transport through third countries. Additionally, Iran faces its own fuel shortages, limiting what it can export.
The U.S. Treasury’s recent sanctions expansion, dubbed Operation Economic Outcast, adds another layer of risk. Any involvement in Iran’s petroleum sector could expose Tajik banks to secondary sanctions, particularly if they handle dollar transactions with Iranian entities.