Tajik authorities offer farmers diesel at 13 somoni and seek new supplies from Iraq
Agricultural producers in Tajikistan can purchase diesel fuel at 13 somoni per liter through the Agency for State Material Reserves, First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Nourali Asozoda said at a news conference in Dushanbe on July 9.
He was responding to questions about rising fuel prices and government support for farmers during the harvest, re-sowing and fodder preparation seasons.
«The fuel situation is difficult»
Fuel shortages and rising prices have become a major concern for farmers, as prolonged supply problems could delay fieldwork, increase transportation costs and push up food prices.
Tajikistan imports most of its petroleum products, with Russia traditionally accounting for more than 80% of supplies.
Asozoda acknowledged that the fuel situation remains difficult, not only in Tajikistan but also in neighboring countries and even in major oil- and gas-producing states.
According to him, the price of diesel supplied through the Agency for State Material Reserves has increased from 11 to 13 somoni per liter, while AI-92 gasoline has risen from 9.70 to 10.70 somoni.
Journalists noted that retail diesel prices had already reached 15–18 somoni per liter in some places. Asozoda stressed that he was referring specifically to prices offered by the state agency.
How farmers can obtain cheaper fuel
Asozoda said the Agency for State Material Reserves has fuel stocks at its facilities and branches in Sughd, Rasht, Gorno-Badakhshan and the districts under central government jurisdiction.
Agricultural producers can reportedly buy gasoline at 10.70 somoni per liter and diesel at 13 somoni.
«All farms that produce agricultural goods can apply to the Agency, submit a letter and receive fuel,» Asozoda said.
According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture can also issue supporting letters to farms. In some cases, fuel is provided on credit to farms carrying out harvesting work.
He cited the Zarnisor-2 farm, which reportedly received diesel on credit for the grain harvest.
Asozoda said both large and small farms are eligible to apply.
Tajikistan expects 10,000 tons of fuel from Iraq
Officials also discussed measures to diversify fuel imports amid disruptions in traditional supply channels.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Bahrom Ahmadzoda said Tajikistan had previously imported more than 80% of its fuel from Russia, which is now also facing supply difficulties.
The Agriculture Ministry submitted proposals to the government on May 22, including a plan to open special fuel sales points for farmers in the districts through the Agency for State Material Reserves.
The proposal was reviewed by an interdepartmental task force at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and forwarded to the government.
Asozoda said the authorities were awaiting further instructions on when the district sales points would begin operating.
Ahmadzoda added that Tajikistan is exploring fuel imports from countries that had not previously been major suppliers.
According to him, relevant government agencies have begun work on possible supplies from Iran and Iraq under instructions from the country’s leadership.
The Agency for State Material Reserves has reportedly reached an agreement for the delivery of 10,000 tons of fuel from Iraq.
Officials are also working to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.
Asozoda said the Agriculture Ministry is monitoring the situation daily in coordination with the Agency for State Material Reserves, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and other government bodies.
He was responding to questions about rising fuel prices and government support for farmers during the harvest, re-sowing and fodder preparation seasons.
«The fuel situation is difficult»
Fuel shortages and rising prices have become a major concern for farmers, as prolonged supply problems could delay fieldwork, increase transportation costs and push up food prices.
Tajikistan imports most of its petroleum products, with Russia traditionally accounting for more than 80% of supplies.
Asozoda acknowledged that the fuel situation remains difficult, not only in Tajikistan but also in neighboring countries and even in major oil- and gas-producing states.
According to him, the price of diesel supplied through the Agency for State Material Reserves has increased from 11 to 13 somoni per liter, while AI-92 gasoline has risen from 9.70 to 10.70 somoni.
Journalists noted that retail diesel prices had already reached 15–18 somoni per liter in some places. Asozoda stressed that he was referring specifically to prices offered by the state agency.
How farmers can obtain cheaper fuel
Asozoda said the Agency for State Material Reserves has fuel stocks at its facilities and branches in Sughd, Rasht, Gorno-Badakhshan and the districts under central government jurisdiction.
Agricultural producers can reportedly buy gasoline at 10.70 somoni per liter and diesel at 13 somoni.
«All farms that produce agricultural goods can apply to the Agency, submit a letter and receive fuel,» Asozoda said.
According to him, the Ministry of Agriculture can also issue supporting letters to farms. In some cases, fuel is provided on credit to farms carrying out harvesting work.
He cited the Zarnisor-2 farm, which reportedly received diesel on credit for the grain harvest.
Asozoda said both large and small farms are eligible to apply.
Tajikistan expects 10,000 tons of fuel from Iraq
Officials also discussed measures to diversify fuel imports amid disruptions in traditional supply channels.
Deputy Agriculture Minister Bahrom Ahmadzoda said Tajikistan had previously imported more than 80% of its fuel from Russia, which is now also facing supply difficulties.
The Agriculture Ministry submitted proposals to the government on May 22, including a plan to open special fuel sales points for farmers in the districts through the Agency for State Material Reserves.
The proposal was reviewed by an interdepartmental task force at the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and forwarded to the government.
Asozoda said the authorities were awaiting further instructions on when the district sales points would begin operating.
Ahmadzoda added that Tajikistan is exploring fuel imports from countries that had not previously been major suppliers.
According to him, relevant government agencies have begun work on possible supplies from Iran and Iraq under instructions from the country’s leadership.
The Agency for State Material Reserves has reportedly reached an agreement for the delivery of 10,000 tons of fuel from Iraq.
Officials are also working to expand cooperation with Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia.
Asozoda said the Agriculture Ministry is monitoring the situation daily in coordination with the Agency for State Material Reserves, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade and other government bodies.
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