Uzbekistan to End AI-80 Petrol Production From September
From September this year, Uzbekistan will begin a full phase-out of AI-80 petrol, a low-octane fuel widely used across the country. The move was confirmed to Kursiv by Momin Ibodov, press-secretary for Uzbekneftegaz under the Senate of Uzbekistan.
According to Ibodov, all enterprises within the company’s system aim to use up their remaining AI-80 stocks by the end of 2025. From 2026 onwards, only high-octane fuels such as AI-92 and AI-95 will be available for sale.
Current Production and Supply
AI-80 petrol is currently produced mainly at refineries in Bukhara and Fergana. The Bukhara facility is operated by Uzbekneftegaz, while the Fergana plant belongs to private firm Saneg. Smaller volumes are produced at local sites in Surkhandarya and Chinaz, but domestic producers meet almost the entire national demand. Imports of AI-80 are virtually non-existent.
To meet future demand, Uzbekneftegaz is collaborating with Chinese partners to boost production of AI-92 petrol at the Bukhara refinery. The project focuses on creating «blended» fuel, where additives raise the octane level, offering a cost-effective solution. While this method is expected to reduce production costs, specific price details have not yet been disclosed.
2026 and Beyond: Cleaner, More Efficient Fuels
Under current plans, the Bukhara refinery is set to produce around 1 mln tonnes of petrol in 2025, nearly half of which will be AI-92 or higher. AI-80 production will cease in September, with remaining stocks sold off by year’s end. By 2026, only AI-92 and AI-95 fuels are expected to be available on the Uzbek market.
Currently, the domestic fuel market includes approximately 800,000 tonnes of AI-80 and around 100,000 tonnes of AI-92, with the rest imported. The government’s aim is to meet annual demand of 1.2–1.3 mln tonnes through competitive high-octane petrol. Achieving this will require addressing a range of obstacles, including tariffs, logistics, quotas and technical constraints.
Environmental Benefits of High-Octane Fuel
The transition away from AI-80 is not only economically driven but also environmentally necessary. AI-80 emits more carbon monoxide, unburnt hydrocarbons and fine particulate matter (PM2.5), all of which pose health risks and contribute to climate change. While many vehicles in Uzbekistan already run on methane or propane, petrol remains an important energy source.
Replacing AI-80 with AI-92 will improve engine performance and fuel efficiency, while also reducing pollution — a step forward for both public health and environmental protection.
Kursiv also reports that according to PVM Oil Associates, market attention is shifting back to regional conflicts, including Israeli strikes in Syria and infrastructure attacks.
