Interfax cited Mr Zhumakadyr Akeneyev head of Kyrgyzstan's Oil Traders Association as saying that Russia is expected to ship 1 million tonnes of fuel and lubricants to Kyrgyzstan and duty-free.

He said that "Kyrgyzstan's estimates its need in fuel this year at 1.15 million tonnes. Russia was prepared to provide 650,000 tonnes. The parties agreed on 1 million tonnes in talks."

Mr Akeneyev also said that the Association and the Agriculture and Land Reclamation Ministry are expected to sign a deal on fuel supplies needed to run the spring sowing campaign.

Russia and Kyrgyzstan signed an indefinite agreement on duty-free shipments of fuel and lubricants in March 2010 and they have only been adjusting the figures since then.

Russia is the main supplier of petroleum products to Kyrgyzstan. Another 5%-7% arrives from Kazakhstan.

(Sourced from Interfax)