Duyshenbek Kamchybekov, chairman of the Association of Miners and Geologists of Kyrgyzstan, explained why there is a shortage of coal this heating season, despite the increase in its production in the country.
According to his data, the volume of coal production in Kyrgyzstan increases annually. For example, in 2020, this figure was 2.7 million tons, and by 2024 it had risen to 4.4 million tons, which means an increase of 60%. This indicates positive changes in the industry, but even such a volume could not avoid a shortage amid the cold weather.
Reasons for the coal shortage
1. Late preparation for winter
Many citizens start buying coal only when the cold weather arrives. This year, September and October were abnormally warm, which led to a sharp increase in demand when the temperature dropped, creating pressure on supplies.
2. Increased demand due to concerns about electricity
With rumors of possible electricity supply restrictions spreading, residents began to buy coal en masse, further increasing demand.
3. Growing popularity of Kara-Keche coal in southern regions
Kara-Keche coal has become particularly sought after in the Osh, Batken, and Jalal-Abad regions. A large portion of the production goes to resellers, who direct the coal to the southern regions, where demand has reached a historical maximum.
As a result, the volumes of coal that were primarily supplied to Bishkek and other northern regions have significantly decreased.
4. Increased coal exports from southern regions
Half of all coal in Kyrgyzstan is produced in the Naryn region, while the other half comes from the southern regions. However, there, buyers from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are willing to pay more, leading to significant exports. In 2024, exports amounted to 1.7 million tons, which is equivalent to 78% of southern production and 38% of the total coal production in the country.
If the coal produced in the south were primarily directed to domestic consumers, the shortage in the northern regions could have been avoided.
5. Pricing policy and the influence of resellers
Coal prices in the southern regions are traditionally higher. In the context of rising demand, resellers began offering drivers and intermediaries higher prices, which caused a mass flow of coal to the south and an increase in coal prices in the northern regions.
6. Measures taken to stabilize the situation
Government agencies and OJSC "Kyrgyzkomur" have taken a number of steps to normalize the situation:
restrictions have been imposed on coal sales to private entrepreneurs and drivers at Kara-Keche;coal is loaded only onto transport for official fuel bases at fixed prices, as well as onto vehicles directed by local authorities;control points for freight transport have been organized in the Jumgal district to prevent overloading and road damage;by the decision of the Cabinet of Ministers, coal exports are allowed only through "Kyrgyzkomur";starting from October 2025, the export of BK and BR grade coal is restricted;fuel bases are being created in cooperation with local authorities, freight transport is being distributed, and coal supply to the population is being monitored.
Production at Kara-Keche has increased, but demand continues to grow
OJSC "Kyrgyzkomur" is actively increasing production volumes. For example, at the Kara-Keche open pit:
in 2020, 213 thousand tons were produced;in 2024, 1.5 million tons, which is more than 7 times higher than the previous level.
Since the beginning of 2025, 1.0 million tons of coal have been sold to the population, social institutions, and the Bishkek CHPP.
615 people are working at the deposit in two shifts over two rotations, operating around the clock. About 250 units of equipment are in operation. From 350 to 450 trucks are loaded daily, which means that one truck leaves the open pit every three minutes. Thus, Kara-Keche is operating at its maximum design capacity, the expert noted.
