Kyrgyzstan’s Oil Dependence and It’s Political and Economic Implications

Abstract

This thesis is centered around the issue of Kyrgyzstan’ energy security and oil supply to Kyrgyzstan, specifically dependence on oil imports from Russia. This work aims to provide a comprehensive examination of oil imports from Russia including reasons and process of how this dependence came about, how it impacts Kyrgyzstan’s economy and policy and the government’s efforts to mitigate and reduce this dependence. Review of literature on Kyrgyzstan’s energy security revealed a significant gap in regards to oil supply to the country. This thesis aims to contribute to the existing body of knowledge by filling the identified gap. Mainly qualitative research methods are employed to answer questions posed by this thesis. Collected data and findings of the research are analyzed by the theory of complex interdependence and the concept of energy security defined as low vulnerability of vital energy systems. Findings of this thesis suggest that Kyrgyzstan’s dependence on oil products imported from Russia progressed overtime and was driven by a number of economic and political motives. This dependence has several significant implications for Kyrgyzstan’s economic stability and country’s agency in making foreign policy decisions. Nevertheless, it is evident that the Kyrgyz government has made significant efforts to mitigate and reduce dependence on a single source of oil supply starting from the early 1990s. Remarkably, outstanding progress in this regard was made in 2024. Thesis concludes with several policy recommendations.