Uzbekneftegaz, Uzbekistan's state oil and gas company, is exploring the possibility of long-term Jet A-1 aviation fuel supplies from China. The matter was discussed at a meeting between Uzbekneftegaz chairman Abdugani Sanginov and China's ambassador to Uzbekistan, Yu Jun, the company's press service reported.
According to Uzbekneftegaz, imports from China are being considered as a way to diversify the country's jet fuel supply and build a more resilient supply system. The two sides also discussed the possibility of establishing direct cooperation with Chinese firms China National Aviation Fuel Group (CNAF) and Sinopec, with Uzbekneftegaz saying it hopes the Chinese embassy can help facilitate contacts with those companies.
The meeting also touched on current and planned oil and gas projects. Uzbekneftegaz already works with several major Chinese companies, including CNPC, CCDC, BGP, Jereh and Honghua, on joint ventures spanning exploration, well construction, oilfield services and the deployment of modern technology. Both sides said they were ready to expand investment and technological cooperation and deepen their strategic energy partnership.
Kerosene imports
Uzbekistan's kerosene imports, including jet fuel, fell by more than half in the first seven months of 2026. According to State Customs Committee data reviewed by Gazeta.uz, the country imported 24,100 tons worth $24.95 million between January and July, down from 52,100 tons worth $51.25 million a year earlier — a drop of roughly 54% in volume and 51% in value.
The average import price of kerosene over that period was about $1,036 per ton, up roughly 5% from $983 a year earlier.
Imports picked up sharply in July, however, with 4,570 tons worth $5.24 million entering the country — nearly 2.4 times June's volume of 1,910 tons, with the value of shipments almost doubling from $2.66 million. The average import price in July was about $1,147 per ton, down 18% from June's $1,393.
Compared with July 2025, imports rose 86% by volume — from 2,450 to 4,570 tons — and 2.5-fold by value, from $2.07 million to $5.24 million. The average price per ton climbed roughly 36%, from $844 to $1,147.
Uzbekistan's aviation kerosene needs for the second half of 2026 are estimated at 375,000 tons, up 27% from the same period last year. Most of that demand is expected to be met by domestic refineries.
At the same time, Uzbekistan is broadening its imports of aviation fuel from alternative sources. Authorities have previously reported arranging jet fuel supplies from Georgia and Iraq amid export restrictions imposed by some partner countries.
China, meanwhile, has eased restrictions on fuel exports for a second consecutive month. The curbs were introduced in the spring after oil supply disruptions linked to the war with Iran. In August, Chinese refiners were granted temporary approval to export 2.7 million tons of fuel outside Hong Kong and Macau, Reuters reported.
Including shipments to Hong Kong and fuel for international flights refueling at Chinese airports, total August exports of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel are estimated at 3.6–3.7 million tons — well above the 2025 monthly average of 3.04 million tons.
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