Turkmenistan – For months, residents in eastern Turkmenistan have been grappling with a significant gasoline shortage. The lack of fuel at gas stations is causing prices for essential goods to rise and public transportation to come to a halt. Despite the crisis, Turkmen officials have not acknowledged any issues, leaving locals confused about the reasons behind the shortage and its expected duration.
Gasoline shortages are not a new phenomenon in Turkmenistan. They have occurred sporadically, particularly during the late summer months when the harvest season begins. However, the current shortage is unprecedented in both its duration and severity.
Long Lines and Purchase Limits
By late June, reports emerged from Lebap and Mary provinces, detailing long lines of cars at gas stations, with many unable to fill their tanks. By mid-July, several filling stations across at least five districts in Lebap Province were frequently out of higher-grade gasoline, such as A92 and A95. In response, local authorities introduced a limit of 10 liters per customer per day for gasoline purchases.
In July, some areas in the northeastern Dashoguz Province faced complete gasoline shortages, even of the lowest-grade A-80 gasoline, which is often deemed environmentally harmful and banned in many countries. By early August, Mary Province ran out of A-92 and A-95 gasoline, leading authorities to limit purchases of A-80 to 20 liters per customer, with many regions still lacking supply.
In October, Radio Free Europe’s Turkmen service, Azatlyk, shared a video showing a line of vehicles stretching three kilometers outside one of the few operational filling stations along the Turkmenabad-Mary highway. Residents reported similar long lines at gas stations throughout the province, with some arriving as early as 4 AM to secure a spot in line. In Mary Province, car owners have resorted to asking family members to bring food and water while they wait.
Rising Prices and Impact on Transportation
Gasoline in Turkmenistan is among the cheapest in the world, averaging $0.428 per liter, significantly lower than the global average of $1.30. The official exchange rate for the national currency, the manat, stands at 3.5 to $1. The government regulates fuel prices, with A-80 gasoline costing 1.15 manat per liter, A-92 at 1.35 manat, A-95 at 1.5 manat, and diesel at 1 manat. However, some filling station employees have reportedly been selling gasoline illegally for 5-6 manat per liter to those who can afford it.
Public transportation has been severely affected. Buses are primarily used to transport workers to cotton fields during the harvest season, which begins in late August. These buses reportedly receive ample fuel, while city buses have become scarce. A resident of Turkmenabad, who spoke anonymously due to fear of repercussions, described the atmosphere in his neighborhood as “feeling like being in a cemetery” due to the lack of bus activity. A teacher in Turkmenabad echoed these concerns, stating that buses had ceased operations, complicating his commute to school.
Privately-owned vans, which typically serve as buses in many Central Asian cities, are still in operation but have doubled or even tripled their fares. In areas like Lebap, Mary, and Dashoguz provinces, taxi prices have also surged due to the gasoline crisis.
The gasoline shortage has also led to increased food transport costs. In Turkmenabad, the price of sugar has risen from 16 to 19 manat, while sunflower oil has jumped from 20 to 30 manat. Other staples, such as macaroni, butter, and cereals, are now 2 to 3 manat more expensive than they were in the spring.
Unclear Causes and Government Response
Turkmen officials have not addressed the gasoline shortage publicly, reflecting the pressure citizens feel to avoid expressing dissatisfaction. Public dissent is often met with severe consequences in Turkmenistan.
Despite the country’s vast natural gas reserves of approximately 18 trillion cubic meters and oil reserves of 600 million barrels, Turkmenistan has faced ongoing shortages of basic goods, including bread, for nearly a decade. In March 2022, authorities instructed farmers and agricultural businesses to prepare for increased exports of fruits, vegetables, and other goods to Russia, which had recently faced international sanctions due to its conflict in Ukraine. The current gasoline situation mirrors these past crises.
In 2023, Turkmenistan’s oil sales to the European Union reached approximately 1.05 billion euros, up from about 165 million euros in 2022. In the first quarter of 2024, this figure stood at 107.2 million euros. The State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange reported significant trading activity in gasoline and petroleum products, amounting to over $38.7 million in late July.
On September 11, Turkmen and Afghan officials gathered at the border to launch several bilateral projects, including a gas pipeline. Turkmen authorities announced humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, including food and gasoline, although the amount of gasoline sent remains unclear. Many residents in Dashoguz, Lebap, and Mary provinces argue that any gasoline sent abroad is too much, as it is desperately needed at home.
The ongoing gasoline shortage is unusually prolonged, and without official acknowledgment from the government, there is no clear indication of when or if the crisis will end. Interestingly, other provinces, like Balkanabad and Ahal, do not appear to be experiencing similar supply issues, leaving residents puzzled as to why the problem is confined to the northeastern and eastern regions of Turkmenistan.
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