Russian Oil Exports to Afghanistan and Central Asia Surge by Over 50% in Early 2026

Imports of petroleum products from Russia and Belarus to Afghanistan and Central Asian nations rose by more than 50% in the first quarter of 2026, according to a report by Reuters. The increase comes as Russia has redirected its energy exports away from Europe, while ongoing tensions in the Middle East have constrained regional oil supply. Traders cited in the report said total fuel shipments to the region reached approximately 3.347 million metric tons between January and March. Following the European Union’s sanctions on Russian petroleum products in February 2023, Afghanistan and Central Asian countries have emerged as key markets for Russian fuel exports. Despite a ban on gasoline exports imposed by Russia until the end of July, some Central Asian countries with bilateral supply agreements with Moscow have been exempted from these restrictions.