Mongolia protests fuel shortages and rising prices in Ulaanbaatar

October 4, 2026 at 09:06 AM2 min

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Protesters gathered on Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar over fuel shortages and rising living costs, blocking central intersections and halting traffic. Police dispersed the demonstration near midnight after urging participants not to obstruct public transport and ambulances. The protest came as Mongolia's fuel crisis entered its 50th day, with wholesale AI-92 gasoline prices rising from $85 to $105 per tonne in the past month.

Key Facts

Fuel shortages in Mongolia have lasted about 50 days, with wholesale AI-92 gasoline prices rising from $85 to $105 per tonne in the past month.
Mongolia consumes about 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 monthly, but imported 54,000 tonnes in August and 62,000 tonnes in September.
Russian suppliers previously sent about 70,000 tonnes per month to Mongolia, but volumes have dropped to roughly 54,000-55,000 tonnes.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G. Damdinnyam said 24 of Russia's 34 oil refineries have been attacked at least once, reducing fuel exports to Mongolia.
Mongolia expects to receive 78,000 tonnes of fuel from China in October and plans to negotiate with Russia, Singapore, and Belarus to expand suppliers.

Protest in Ulaanbaatar

Participants gathered on Sukhbaatar Square, with cars lined up on both sides and drivers honking horns. Students and elderly people joined the demonstration, which began in the morning and continued until late at night. Protesters blocked several intersections near the central square, bringing traffic in the city center to a near standstill. Police urged participants not to obstruct public transport and ambulances before forcibly dispersing the rally near midnight.

Fuel Crisis and Prices

Protesters said they have been unable to refuel normally for several months, with kilometer-long queues at gas stations and some people spending nights in their cars. The fuel crisis has lasted about 50 days, and wholesale AI-92 gasoline prices rose from $85 to $105 per tonne in the past month. Minister Damdinnyam said Mongolia consumes about 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 monthly, but imports fell to 54,000 tonnes in August and 62,000 tonnes in September. Russian suppliers previously sent about 70,000 tonnes per month, but current volumes are around 54,000-55,000 tonnes. Daily domestic demand for AI-92 jumped from about 1,000 tonnes to roughly 1,700 tonnes, yet the shortage persists.

Government Response and Outlook

Damdinnyam attributed the shortages partly to attacks on Russian oil refineries, saying 24 of 34 refineries have been hit at least once. Russia is keeping more fuel for its domestic market, reducing supplies to Mongolia. Mongolia expects to receive 78,000 tonnes of fuel from China in October, and Damdinnyam said shortages may ease in the coming days. The government plans to expand its list of suppliers and negotiate with Russia, Singapore, and Belarus. Authorities also intend to increase fuel storage capacity to reduce future dependence on import disruptions.