BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 23. Azerbaijan reduced the purchase of jet fuel from 74,600 tons in 2021 to 70.600 tons in 2022, Trend reports.
The main reason for the decline in imports is a significant increase in domestic production of this type of fuel.
"In order to stimulate the import of TC-1 aviation kerosene, the Azerbaijani government zeroed excise taxes and customs duties in the second half of last year. This decision is valid until the end of 2023," said the Argus analytical agency.
Kerosene consumption in the country during the period of seasonal demand growth increases to 50,000-55,000 tons in a month from 30,000-35,000 tons per month due to the growth of passenger and cargo air transportation.
Meanwhile, the import of kerosene makes it possible to avoid fuel shortages in spring and summer, during the period of the increase of air transportation.
At the same time, trading companies deliver KO-20 and KT-2 kerosene by tankers from Turkmenistan for processing at the Heydar Aliyev Baku Oil Refinery, as well as subsequent production of TS-1 aviation kerosene.
According to traders, some of this fuel is exported to Afghanistan. The supply of KO-20 and KT-2 kerosene to the oil refinery amounted to about 4,000 tons last year, compared to 60,100 tons for the same period in 2021.
The decrease in imports is due to the preventive maintenance of the oil refinery in April and May, as well as a slight reduction in demand for kerosene is linked to the cancellation of part of passenger flights to Russia and Ukraine in the first half of last year.