The Kyrgyz government is considering implementing mandatory marking for oil products starting from June 1, 2024. The Ministry of Economy and Commerce has put forward a draft resolution for public discussion.
The proposed rule would apply to all types of fuel. The Ministry of Economy highlights that gasoline and diesel are sold exclusively at gas stations, suggesting the need to mark these products with molecular markers that cannot be removed and can be verified using special devices.
In 2022, the excise tax on oil products imported from EAEU countries amounted to 3.3794 billion soms, a decrease of 267 million soms or 7.3% compared to 2021.
Moreover, according to data from the State Institution "Unaa," Kyrgyzstan witnessed a record number of car imports in 2023, totaling 184,789 units, a 4.48-fold increase from 2022 and a tenfold rise from 2020-2021.
Additionally, the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic reported a 4.4% economic growth in 2023, with construction increasing by 8%, agriculture by 7.3%, and wholesale and retail trade by 7.5%. In the same year, 9,599 liters of gasoline were seized from illegal sales, indicating a significant presence of the shadow economy in the fuel market.
Considering these factors, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce advocates for the introduction of marking to combat illicit activities and promote advanced administrative methods in the oil sector.
