ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — Public anger and stress have reached a boiling point across the capital as motorists face grueling, hours-long queues at petrol stations. Frustration has intensified following official government announcements that foreign-imported gasoline has finally arrived in the country, yet remains stranded and unloaded due to a purported lack of sufficient storage tank capacity. Citizens and parliamentarians alike have openly voiced deep suspicions over media channels, questioning how storage facilities could supposedly be completely full while pump stations run dry and drivers wait overnight for fuel. Growing public skepticism points toward potential market manipulation, with allegations that fuel importing companies are orchestrating artificial shortages to drive up prices or illicitly selling lower-grade Ai-92 gasoline of MNT3,590 per liter at the higher price brackets designated for premium Euro-standard A92 fuel for MNT5,600 per liter.

Addressing these widespread speculations during a press briefing, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam strongly rejected the allegations of foul play. He dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating:

“It is technically impossible to switch tanks and sell cheaper Ai-92 gasoline under the guise and price of higher Euro-standard A92 fuel.”

Ambassadorial Remarks Ignite Further Controversy

Public and political suspicion was further heated after the Russian Ambassador to Mongolia made remarks in a televised interview claiming that the supply and delivery of fuel from Russia remain entirely normal. The ambassador's optimistic assessment starkly contradicted the reality on the streets of Ulaanbaatar, where strict rationing, contractor-only restrictions, and daily purchase caps of 50,000 togrogs remain heavily enforced. The apparent disconnect between diplomatic assurances of normal supply and the severe shortages felt by ordinary drivers fueled intense public debate over whether domestic logistical bottlenecks are being mismanaged or deliberately manufactured.

Presidential Intervention and Investigation into Organized Interests

Wrapping up the mounting crisis, the President of Mongolia convened a high-level emergency meeting on November 6 to address the paralyzing fuel situation. During the session, President U.Khurelsukh directed relevant government ministries and law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough, unsparing examination into whether the fuel supply chain disruptions are being engineered intentionally as part of a coordinated political and business scheme.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity of protecting national energy security, President Khurelsukh stated during the meeting:

“We must thoroughly investigate whether the fuel supply is being deliberately interrupted as an organized action by specific entities seeking political and business interests, and hold those responsible strictly accountable under the law.”

Import Volumes, Quantitative Deficits, and Current Pricing

Statistical records from the Rapid Response Headquarters for Stabilizing Fuel Supply and Distribution indicate that Mongolia imported 40,800 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline between October 1 and October 20. Responding to the escalating shortage, the Ministry announced an increased November fuel procurement plan, securing import orders for 92,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia—roughly 20,000 tonnes above normal monthly consumption. Deputy Minister Munkhtamir noted that state reserves sit at roughly 10 days for Ai-92 gasoline, 28 days for diesel fuel, and 36 days for aviation fuel.

Despite incoming shipments, pump prices have surged significantly. Following a mid-October hike that added MNT 500 to MNT 560 per liter, the retail price of Ai-92 gasoline has reached approximately MNT 3,590 per liter. Meanwhile, diesel fuel prices remain severely elevated to MNT 5,660 per liter.