Tajikistan turns to Iranian oil as Russian supplies dwindle
Tajikistan began importing Iranian crude and refined fuels in late August after Ukrainian drone attacks disrupted Russian petroleum shipments to the region.
In late August, Tajikistan received its first deliveries of Iranian crude and refined petroleum products, according to the country's energy ministry. Previously, Russia accounted for more than 91% of Tajikistan's fuel imports, but Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have sharply reduced those shipments, creating a regional fuel shortage. To mitigate the gap, Dushanbe has requested Iranian crude, diesel and jet fuel.
U.S. officials note that entities dealing in Iran's oil market face sanction risks under Operation Economic Outcast. Edward Lemon of the Oxus Society for Central Asian Affairs said the bilateral relationship is improving, while analyst Parviz Mullojonov highlighted the diplomatic balancing act required amid competing global interests.
Why it matters
The shift shows Central Asia's growing reliance on Iranian oil amid Russian supply disruptions and raises sanction risks for Tajik buyers.
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