Kyrgyzstan has introduced a new coal price regulation mechanism aimed at keeping the solid fuel affordable through the upcoming winter heating season, local media reported on August 19.

The mechanism is designed to create a transparent pricing system, guarantee economically justified prices and prevent sharp increases, the Kyrgyz economy ministry said.

Under the new rules, state-owned coal producer Kyrgyz komur will be able to sell coal directly to retail buyers, while the government's Anti-monopoly Regulation Service (ARS) will oversee compliance, monitor the market and respond to citizen appeals.

Kyrgyz komur has begun official sales of thermal coal for residents of Bishkek and the Chui region at specialized fuel depots from late last week, urging citizens to buy early to avoid queues during colder months.

The producer said coal from the Kara-Keche mine in Naryn, one of the country's most important deposits, was delivered to depots in Bishkek and the Chui region on August 12, with deliveries from the Agulak section of the Minkush deposit to follow soon.

The ARS has also set retail prices at state depots, with coal in Bishkek priced at 7,000 soms/t ($0.6/t) while northern Chui district prices ranging from 6,600-7,500 soms/t depending on transport costs.

Kyrgyzstan typically strengthens coal sector monitoring ahead of the heating season to ensure energy security through harsh winters. The country set maximum retail coal prices in early 2025, imposed a 90-day price cap last October.

More recently, the country introduced a six-month ban on coal exports by road effective June 23, though shipments through the Irkeshtam and Torugart border crossings remain exempt.