Mongolia Fuel Update: Russian Deal Signed as China Halts Exports

Mongolia's fuel shortage is still not over in October 2026, but supply is rising again. On 5 October the government said it had signed a contract for 78,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia this month, slightly more than the country's usual monthly use of AI-92 petrol, after China stopped petroleum exports on 1 October. For travellers, the main effect is on long overland drives, which need extra time for refuelling.

Key facts

• What: Contract for 78,000 tonnes of Russian fuel for October 2026

• Announced: 5 October 2026, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources

• Normal use: About 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 petrol a month

• China: Petroleum exports halted from 1 October 2026

• Supply now: 1,700–1,800 tonnes of AI-92 a day vs about 1,000 normally (2 October)

• Shortest grade: AI-92; Euro-95 reported sufficient (23 September)

• UK advice: Fuel warning still in place (last updated 7 August; checked 10 October 2026)

• Source: Montsame, iKon.mn, UB Post, Bloomberg via The Star, GOV.UK

A 4x4 on a mountain dirt road. Most of our overland routes depend on reliable fuel stops. Photo: Enza Tours

What has changed since late September?

The main change is a new supply deal. At a press briefing on 5 October 2026, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Gongor Damdinnyam said Mongolia had signed a contract to buy 78,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia in October, which is expected to resolve the current shortages, Montsame reported. Mongolia uses about 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 petrol a month, and imports reached only about 54,000 tonnes in August and 62,000 tonnes in September.

The same briefing confirmed a new pressure on supply: China banned exports of all petroleum products on 1 October 2026. Central Asia Wire, citing Reuters, reported that Chinese refiners halted petrol, diesel and jet fuel exports for October, while Mongolia had about 8,000 tonnes of AI-92 and more than 10,000 tonnes of diesel on order from China for the month.

Are there still fuel queues in Ulaanbaatar?

Yes, queues were still a problem at the start of October. On 1 October, Bloomberg, via The Star, reported that motorists left their cars and marched through central Ulaanbaatar near parliament in protest. Filling stations had lifted rationing, the report said, but waits had reached eight hours at the worst point in September.

The government says deliveries are now above normal. Stations were receiving 1,700 to 1,800 tonnes of AI-92 a day against normal daily sales of about 1,000 tonnes, Minister Damdinnyam told citizens' representatives on 2 October, iKon.mn reported. Demand is still high, and the ministry plans a camera system that reads licence plates to track how often each vehicle buys fuel.

Which fuels are short?

The shortage is concentrated in AI-92, the standard petrol grade. On 23 September the government's fuel task force said Euro-95 supply was sufficient nationwide, according to the UB Post. At the same meeting, State Secretary B. Dashpurev said disruption to Russian supply could last two to three years.

Overall imports are higher than last year. In the first nine months of 2026 Mongolia imported 684.9 thousand tonnes of petrol, up 9.6%, and 1,463.5 thousand tonnes of diesel, up 7.5%, Montsame reported on 9 October, citing the Customs General Administration. Government statements put demand growth at about 14% a year, Bloomberg reported.

A rest stop above the plains on an overland tour. Photo: Enza Tours

Is it affecting prices and flights?

Prices are rising, though not only because of fuel. Annual inflation reached 12.9% in September 2026, and transport costs rose 3.2% in one month, the main driver of that month's increase, Montsame reported, citing the National Statistics Office.

The UK government's Mongolia travel advice, last updated on 7 August 2026 and checked by us on 10 October, still warns that shortages, including aviation fuel, may affect flights, road travel and access to remote areas. None of the sources we read on 10 October reports a flight cancelled because of fuel.

What this means for your trip

• Short trips need fewer fuel stops. A day out from Ulaanbaatar such as our 1 Day Terelj and Chinggis Khan Statue tour involves far less driving than a countryside route.

• Allow slack on long drives. On a Gobi route such as our Discover the Gobi desert (4 days) tour, a refuelling stop can take longer than usual, so plan shorter driving days.

• Self-drivers should fill up often. Top up in every aimag centre and ask locally before heading into remote soums.

• Check your flight. Use your airline's app or website before you leave for the airport.

• Read our earlier report. Our September fuel update explains how the shortage started, and our season guide helps you pick 2027 dates.

A UAZ van on a snowy track. Cold-season roads add to driving times. Photo: Enza Tours

How Enza Tours can help

Enza Tours prepared for this shortage early, and fuel planning is a standard part of how we manage every overland trip. Before each departure we check supply along the route and adjust the order of stops if needed. Ask us for an honest picture of the roads before you book.

Frequently asked questions

Is there still a fuel shortage in Mongolia in October 2026?

Yes, but supply is improving. On 5 October 2026 Mongolia's government announced a contract for 78,000 tonnes of Russian fuel for October, and daily AI-92 deliveries were above normal sales in early October.

Why did China stop fuel exports to Mongolia?

Chinese refiners halted petrol, diesel and jet fuel exports for October 2026, according to Reuters reporting cited by Central Asia Wire. Mongolia's minister said on 5 October that China banned exports of all petroleum products from 1 October.

Are flights to Mongolia affected by the fuel shortage?

The UK travel advice for Mongolia warns that aviation fuel shortages may affect flights. The sources we read on 10 October 2026 report no flight cancellations caused by fuel.

Should I cancel my Mongolia tour because of fuel?

Not on current information. Ask your tour operator how they plan fuel stops in Mongolia, and allow extra time on long driving days outside Ulaanbaatar.

Tours that fit this story

Hand-picked from our current programmes. See all of them on our The Gobi Desert page.

• Discover the Gobi desert (4 days): Yolyn Am, the Khongoryn Els dunes and Bayanzag.

• Amazing Gobi Desert Tour (7 days): Baga Gazriin Chuluu, Yolyn Am, Khongoryn Els, Bayanzag and Tsagaan Suvarga.

• 1 Day Terelj and Chinggis Khan Statue: A short day out from Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park and the statue.

Sources

• Montsame: Mongolia contracts 78,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia (5 Oct 2026)

• Central Asia Wire: China's refiners halt fuel exports for October (1 Oct 2026)

• Bloomberg via The Star: Mongolia's fuel shortage sparks protest as drivers wait in lines (1 Oct 2026)

• iKon.mn: Minister meets citizens' representatives on fuel supply (3 Oct 2026)

• UB Post: 'Gasoline disruption may last 2 to 3 years' (23 Sep 2026)

• Montsame: Fuel and food imports rise, auto imports decrease (9 Oct 2026)

• Montsame: Mongolia's annual inflation rate reaches 12.9% in September (9 Oct 2026)

• GOV.UK: Mongolia travel advice (updated 7 Aug 2026; read 10 Oct 2026)

About this article

Written by the Enza Tours News Desk in Ulaanbaatar and checked by our team before publishing. Every date, number and rule in this post comes from the sources listed above, which we read on 10 October 2026. Last updated: 10 October 2026.

About Enza Tours LLC. We are a Mongolian inbound tour operator, founded in 2018 by Enkhzaya (Enza), and a member of the Mongolia Tourism Organization (MTO) and the Mongolian Tourism Association (MTA). Office: Room 39, Building 33, 4th Khoroo, Baga Toiruu Street, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar 15141, Mongolia. Phone +976 8911 2100 · info@mongoliantour.guide · Meet our team · Contact us