Kyrgyzstan has increased domestic coal production in preparation for the winter, with four of the country’s six deposits now operating at full capacity, according to the state-owned enterprise Kyrgyzkomur, which oversees coal mining and distribution at socially affordable prices.
To ensure stable fuel supply, Kyrgyzkomur has signed agreements with 126 coal trading bases nationwide. These sites sell coal at reduced prices, aimed at supporting low-income households and easing the burden on public utilities.
In the first nine months of 2025, Kyrgyzstan produced 655,000 tons of coal, while overburden removal reached 6.8 million cubic meters.
Coal from the Kara-Keche deposit remains the most in demand. It is also supplied to the Bishkek thermal power plant, which provides the capital with heat and electricity. However, local coal is considered lower in quality compared to imports, particularly coal from Kazakhstan’s Shabyrkul deposit.
To stabilize the market and prevent price hikes, authorities have tightened oversight of the coal sector. Under an order issued by the Ministry of Economy on September 26, 2025, temporary state regulation of coal prices was introduced for 90 days.
“The maximum retail prices are set at $80 per ton for imported coal and $66 per ton for local coal from the Kara-Keche deposit, mined by Kyrgyzkomur,” said Maksat Akylbekov, chief inspector at the Antimonopoly Regulation Service, in an interview with Tbe Times of Central Asia.
To curb speculation and prevent the sale of low-quality coal, Bishkek authorities have banned the retail sale of coal in bags. Fuel can now only be purchased by the ton at designated depots. As a result, smaller traders have relocated to the outskirts of the city, where they continue to sell coal in smaller quantities.
Sellers report that many residents request 100-200 kilograms of coal, as not all can afford to purchase an entire season’s supply at once or have the storage capacity. In some cases, sellers informally accommodate these buyers.
Violations of the government’s pricing rules are subject to fines of $35 for individuals and $150 for legal entities.
