Fergana Oil Refinery launches Jet A1 aviation fuel production for domestic market

The Fergana Oil Refinery has launched the production of Jet A1 aviation fuel, according to a statement from the private company Saneg, which acquired the refinery in 2022 for $100 million.

The refinery has started serial production of Jet A1 fuel using a synthetic kerosene component manufactured by the Uzbekistan GTL plant. The project is operated by Saneg JetWhites, which specializes in the distribution of both domestically produced and imported jet fuel.

Saneg noted that the project will increase Uzbekistan’s domestic coverage of aviation fuel demand from the current 40–50% to 70–80%.

As part of the project, a contract was signed with the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas to carry out technological assessments and testing of semi-synthetic jet fuel samples. The evaluations followed international qualification standards.

Following the tests, the fuel received positive conclusions and recommendations for industrial production. Based on these results, the Civil Aviation Authority of Uzbekistan (Uzaviatsiya) granted official approval for the use of semi-synthetic Jet A1 fuel produced at the Fergana refinery for fueling civilian aircraft.

“The launch of semi-synthetic Jet A1 fuel production is a major step toward improving the country’s fuel security. Our goal is to meet a significant portion of domestic demand for jet fuel and reach a new level in product quality and technological advancement,” said Azizbek Gayupov, Director of Saneg JetWhites.

In the initial phase, monthly production volumes will reach up to 10,000 tons, with a planned increase to 20,000–25,000 tons in the second phase. However, Saneg has not disclosed the price of the aviation fuel.

The semi-synthetic Jet A1 is a blend of 40% synthetic component from Uzbekistan GTL and 60% traditional Jet A1 fuel produced at the Fergana refinery. The project is expected to increase Uzbekistan’s output of the currently scarce jet fuel by over 60%, according to Saneg.

The Fergana refinery already produces several types of aviation fuel, including B-92 aviation gasoline, TS-1 jet fuel, and aviation fuel for gas turbine engines.

In September 2022, the Bukhara Oil Refinery – owned by Uzbekneftegaz – became the first in Uzbekistan to produce semi-synthetic aviation fuel for gas turbine engines under the JetA-1-SSF designation.

According to Ulugbek Davlatov, a representative of the Competition Development Committee, the shortage and high cost of jet fuel are the main reasons for the high price of airline tickets in Uzbekistan. He noted that fuel accounts for more than half the ticket price.

Commenting on competition in the jet fuel market, Davlatov said five companies are currently involved in supply. The main providers at Tashkent Airport are Uzbekistan Airports and Uzbekistan Airways, with Saneg’s market share below 10%. “Competition in the market is not restricted,” he added.