Mongolia Fuel Update: Imports Steady, Prices Up as Winter Begins
Mongolia's fuel supply has steadied in late October 2026 after a difficult start to the month: 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 petrol arrived between 1 and 20 October, and on 21 October the government reported about 10 days of AI-92, 28 days of diesel and 36 days of aviation fuel in stock. Petrol now costs more, about MNT 3,600 a litre on average, and the UK's fuel warning for Mongolia is still in place. For travellers this means tours and flights are running, but overland trips need careful fuel planning.
Key facts
What: 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 petrol imported, 1–20 October 2026
Stocks (21 Oct): AI-92 about 10 days · diesel about 28 days · jet fuel about 36 days
Price: AI-92 about MNT 3,600 a litre after a rise of about MNT 550 (as of 12–21 October 2026)
Price outlook: No further change expected through end of October (Montsame, 21 Oct)
Deliveries: 119 stations in Ulaanbaatar and 180 rural stations supplied (20 Oct)
UK advice: Fuel warning still in place (last updated 7 Aug; checked 26 Oct 2026)
Who it affects: Overland tours, self-drivers and anyone flying this winter
Source: Montsame, Xinhua, IBTimes Mongolia, OilPrice.com, GOV.UK, Consular Department of Mongolia
What is the Mongolia fuel supply situation in late October 2026?
Supply is improving but still tight. On 21 October the Rapid Response Headquarters for Stabilizing Fuel Supply and Distribution said Mongolia had imported 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 petrol between 1 and 20 October, as reported by Montsame, the national news agency. A further 70 railcars carrying about 4,200 tonnes had arrived that day, and an official said imports were continuing "without interruption".
The same report gave stock levels as of 21 October 2026: 21,747 tonnes of AI-92 (about 10 days of consumption), 112,744 tonnes of diesel (about 28 days) and 7,500 tonnes of aviation fuel (about 36 days). Ten days of AI-92 is a thin buffer.
In our 10 October fuel update we reported a 78,000-tonne Russian contract for October, signed after China halted fuel exports on 1 October. That gap was short: OilPrice.com reported on 9 October, citing trade sources speaking to Reuters, that China had restarted fuel exports after a one-week suspension.
How much does petrol cost in Mongolia now?
Petrol is noticeably more expensive than in September. Xinhua reported on 12 October that the average retail price of AI-92 rose by about MNT 550 a litre to MNT 3,600, and that the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources linked the rise to higher import prices.
Montsame's 21 October report put the previous week's increase at MNT 500–560 a litre and said no further price changes were expected through the end of October. Prices after that are not announced, so treat any figure as "as of 21 October 2026".
Where are fuel deliveries going?
As of 20 October, 916 tonnes of AI-92 had been supplied to 119 filling stations in Ulaanbaatar and 1,200 tonnes dispatched to 180 stations in rural areas, according to Khishigdalai Ch., director of the Petroleum Policy Implementation Department, in the Montsame report. He said rural supply would get particular attention.
Mongolia is also buying from more than one country. In late September IBTimes Mongolia reported 8,400 tonnes of AI-92 arriving by rail from China, a request for regular monthly Chinese deliveries of 12,000–15,000 tonnes, and an arrangement for South Korea to supply 12,000 tonnes of Euro-5 fuel.
Will flights to Mongolia be affected?
Aviation fuel looks the most secure of the three grades right now, with about 36 days of stock on 21 October 2026 according to Montsame. The UK government's Mongolia travel advice, last updated on 7 August 2026 and unchanged when we checked on 26 October, still warns that "fuel supply disruptions may affect domestic and international flights, road travel and access to some remote areas".
The same advice asks travellers to check with their airline or transport provider before travelling and to allow extra time. The same applies to the seasonal routes in our guide to Ulaanbaatar's winter flights from Asia.
What this means for your trip
City and short trips: Ulaanbaatar and day trips close to the capital need the least fuel. Our 1-day Terelj and Chinggis Khaan Statue tour and the 1-day Mongolia winter tour with dog sledging in Terelj are easy to plan in any week.
Long overland routes: a Gobi or western route crosses long stretches between towns. Ask your operator how they carry reserve fuel and what happens if a station is empty.
Budget: when comparing quotes, ask whether prices were set before or after the October increase.
Time: leave a spare half day on long itineraries for a possible queue or detour to another station.
Flights: check your flight status before you leave home, as the UK advice recommends.
Planning from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong or Japan?
Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia and Japan can stay in Mongolia for up to 30 days without a visa, and Hong Kong SAR passport holders for up to 14 days, according to the Consular Department of Mongolia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (checked 26 October 2026). A 4–7 day winter trip built around Ulaanbaatar, Terelj and one countryside stay keeps driving distances short, which suits this fuel situation well.
How Enza Tours can help
We plan every route with the current fuel picture in mind, and we check supply along the way before each overland day. If you are booked with us or thinking about a winter trip, we can suggest an itinerary that keeps long drives to a minimum. You can reach the team any time through our travel services page.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a fuel shortage in Mongolia in October 2026?
Mongolia's fuel supply is tight but improving in late October 2026. The government reported 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 petrol imported between 1 and 20 October and about 10 days of AI-92 in stock on 21 October 2026.
How much is petrol in Mongolia now?
The average price of AI-92 petrol in Mongolia was about MNT 3,600 a litre after a rise of roughly MNT 550 in mid-October 2026. Montsame reported on 21 October 2026 that no further price changes were expected through the end of October.
Will the fuel situation affect flights to Ulaanbaatar?
Mongolia had about 36 days of aviation fuel in stock on 21 October 2026. The UK's Mongolia travel advice still warns that fuel problems may affect flights, so check with your airline before travelling.
Can I still do a Gobi tour in Mongolia this autumn and winter?
Yes, Gobi tours in Mongolia are running in late 2026, but they need more fuel planning than short trips. Ask your operator about reserve fuel.
Do I need a visa for Mongolia from Singapore?
No. Singapore passport holders can stay in Mongolia for up to 30 days without a visa, according to Mongolia's Consular Department (checked 26 October 2026).
Tours that fit this story
Hand-picked from our current programmes. See all of them on our Mongolia travel services page.
1 Day Terelj and Chinggis Khan Statue: A short day out from Ulaanbaatar to Terelj National Park and the statue.
Mongolia Winter Tour (1 day): Dog sledging in Terelj and the Chinggis Khaan statue.
Discover the Gobi desert (4 days): Yolyn Am, the Khongoryn Els dunes and Bayanzag.
Sources
Montsame: Mongolia imports 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline in October (21 Oct 2026)
Xinhua: Gasoline prices rise in Mongolia amid fuel shortage (12 Oct 2026)
IBTimes Mongolia: Mongolia expands fuel supply beyond Russia to China and South Korea (29 Sep 2026)
GOV.UK: Mongolia travel advice (updated 7 Aug 2026; read 26 Oct 2026)
Consular Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia: visa-free countries (read 26 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 26 October 2026. Last updated: 26 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
