Several Russian media outlets, citing oil-exporting companies in Russia and Belarus, have reported a significant increase in oil exports to Afghanistan and Central Asian countries during 2025.
The Russian daily Izvestia reported on Monday that last year, oil exports from Russia to Afghanistan and Central Asia reached one million tons. According to the report, Russian oil exports to Afghanistan increased by 20%, while Belarus exported 400,000 tons of oil to Afghanistan during the same period.
The report further noted:
“Oil exports from Russia to Afghanistan rose by 20% in the past year. According to EnergoStar Trading Company documents, Belarus also exported 400,000 tons of oil to Afghanistan during the same period.”
Analysts attributed the increase to international sanctions imposed on Moscow and Afghan standards designed to prevent the import of low-quality oil.
Meanwhile, the Afghan Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that trade between Kabul and Moscow reached $538 million in 2025, including 650,000 tons of oil valued at $400 million imported into Afghanistan.
Ministry spokesperson Akhundzada Abdulsalam Jawad said:
“Major Afghan exports to Russia include raisins, minerals, dried apricots, steam boilers, talc stones, pomegranates, and grapes. Major imports from Russia consist of natural gas, petrol, diesel, timber, sunflower oil, raw industrial materials, and wheat flour. The largest portion of imports is petrol, diesel, and gas, totaling 652,000 tons, valued at over $402 million.”
Analysts note that with trade routes between Kabul and Islamabad currently restricted, strengthening trade with neighboring and regional countries is particularly beneficial for Afghanistan.
Economic expert Abdul Nasir Rashtiya said:
“The stronger these ties, the more benefits Afghanistan gains. Importing essential goods from neighboring and regional countries ensures faster delivery and lower costs.”
Another economic analyst, Mohammad Yunus Zadran, added:
“Russia provides high-quality oil and can improve Afghanistan’s oil and fuel sector. Increased supply reduces monopolies, lowers prices, and improves quality.”
The report of increased trade between Kabul and Moscow comes shortly after Iranian officials also highlighted an increase in exports to Afghanistan via the Mahirud border, which they say will connect South Khorasan to Afghan markets.
