Kazakhstan races to secure aviation fuel amid supply risks and rising costs

Kazakhstan is seeking new fuel supply routes to secure its aviation sector. The country is negotiating with Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and China for aviation kerosene imports. Meanwhile, it is also in talks with Russia over a potential fuel swap deal. In December 2025, Kazakhstan received a trial batch of aviation kerosene from China. While Chinese fuel may not be cheaper, it offers a backup option if Russian supplies face disruptions. Russian aviation kerosene prices have already risen by an average of 17% at airports.

Kazakhstan initially aimed to buy 300,000 tons of aviation fuel from Russia but ended up with only 186,000 tons. Domestic production currently meets the needs of Kazakh airlines, security services, and the Defence Ministry. Still, the country plans to remove import duties on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel from third countries, especially China.

Russia has proposed a deal to buy around 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan in exchange for Russian aviation fuel. Additionally, Kazakhstan is exploring the expansion of Russian oil transit to China through its territory. This could increase transit volumes by about 2.5 million tons, though no rise is expected this year due to ongoing studies and construction requirements. The negotiations and policy changes aim to stabilise Kazakhstan’s fuel supply. Removing import duties and diversifying sources will help secure aviation kerosene. The planned oil transit expansion could further strengthen regional trade ties.