50% increase in oil imports from Russia and Belarus to Afghanistan and Central Asia

Imports of petroleum products from Russia and Belarus to Afghanistan and Central Asia via rail increased by more than 50% in the first quarter of 2026.

Reuters reported, citing traders, that the increase came as Moscow diverted its energy flows away from Europe and the Iran war reduced supplies from the Middle East.

According to this report, the amount of fuel transported to the region from January to March reached 3.347 million metric tons.