Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — State-owned company Uzbekneftegaz will discontinue production of AI-80 gasoline starting in September 2025, as part of a broader effort to shift toward higher-quality and more environmentally friendly fuels. According to Kun.uz, which cites internal company documents, the transition will begin gradually in the coming months.

By the end of this year, the Bukhara Oil Refinery is expected to produce around 1.03 million tonnes of motor fuel — with 487,000 tonnes allocated to AI-80 gasoline and 543,000 tonnes to higher-grade AI-92 and above. Production of AI-80 will stop in September, after which the plant will fully focus on AI-92 and AI-95, with average monthly output projected at up to 90,000 tonnes.

The complete phase-out of AI-80 is expected by the end of 2025, and starting in 2026, Uzbekneftegaz will exclusively supply AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline.

This decision is part of a major modernization program at the Bukhara refinery. In February 2024, Uzbekneftegaz signed an agreement with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) for the deep reconstruction of the refinery, aimed at phasing out AI-80 fuel. The project is being financed with Chinese investment and will span over two years.

In April 2024, the company also partnered with France’s Axens, which licensed its technology and is overseeing the rollout of a production line for AI-92 and AI-95 fuels in a 60:40 ratio. The new facility is being built on a fast-track basis, with design and construction proceeding in parallel. All output will meet Euro-5 environmental standards, with annual capacity planned at 1 million tonnes.

Axens is expected to finalize the basic design by September 2025, while preparatory work continues in cooperation with CNPC's Chinese division. Officials clarified that the AI-80 phase-out is running separately from the main modernization effort.

Currently, AI-80 accounts for 85% of Bukhara Refinery's output, while AI-92 makes up only 15%. However, this ratio will start shifting in favor of high-octane fuel beginning November 2025, when serial production of AI-91 and AI-92 is scheduled to launch.

Notably, Uzbekneftegaz began selling AI-92 gasoline on the commodities exchange in autumn 2023, signaling a strategic commitment to gradually reduce prices on premium-grade fuels.

Earlier this year, in February 2025, the President of Uzbekistan instructed relevant authorities to restrict the production and sale of AI-80 gasoline, while ensuring the population has access to clean, high-quality, and affordable motor fuel.