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Good morning! We’re delighted to share that our Inside Mongolia article, “Can AI Strengthen Mongolia’s Disaster Prevention?”, has been recognized by the Asian Development Bank Institute’s (ADBI) Developing Asia Journalism Awards 2026. We’re grateful to have our work recognized and will continue to share insightful news and stories with our readers. 🤗

What’s inside today’s edition…

• 💰 ADB Backs Mongolia’s COP17 Preparations With $500K

• ⛽ Fuel Frenzy: Mongolia’s Shift Beyond Russian Dependence

• ❄️ Before the Freeze: Mongolia’s Winter Readiness Plan

We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s get moving. 🐐

MARKET

CMM: The Mongolia Investment Forum returns to London for its second consecutive year on September 15.

MNG: Starting January 1, 2027, individuals earning up to ₮792,000 per month will be exempt from personal income tax. From 2028, those earning up to ₮2 million per month will pay a 1% personal income tax.

ADB: The Asian Development Bank is implementing a $500,000 technical assistance project to support preparations for upcoming COP17.

🏃‍♂️ Fuel Frenzy: From Russian Dependence to New Suppliers 

9 months ago, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources D.Damdinnyam assured the public that “Gasoline will not run out.” Yet, starting last Thursday, long queues stretching several meters formed outside gas stations, while motorists across the country scrambled to find fuel.

🤔 What Went Wrong?

Mongolia imports its gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel primarily from the Angarsk refinery, one of Russia's largest oil refineries owned by Rosneft. But as the war continues to disrupt Russia's energy sector, fuel supply interruptions have once again spilled over into Mongolia.

• 🔫 War Related Pressure: Authorities said petrol prices have risen by more than 30% over the past three consecutive months, making it impossible to maintain the previously agreed fixed-price arrangement with Russia. Fuel imports are now being purchased at Russian exchange prices.

• 🫨 As a result, the domestic price of AI-92 gasoline increased by ₮250–₮300 per liter, while diesel prices fell by ₮100–₮150 per liter.

👀 Looking Beyond Russia

The recent shortages have also accelerated Mongolia's push to diversify its fuel supply after decades of heavy reliance on Russia, which currently accounts for more than 90% of the country's refined petroleum imports.

A major breakthrough came on July 30, when Mongolia reached an agreement with South Korea to import 50,000 tons of petroleum products every month. The deal includes 20,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline, enough to cover more than 1/3 of Mongolia's monthly demand, 20,000 tons of diesel fuel, and 10,000 tons of jet fuel. The agreement builds on the momentum of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung's state visit in July and represents one of the most tangible outcomes of the 2 countries' expanding economic partnership.

• ➕ China has also emerged as an important alternative supplier. Mongolia has already secured an emergency shipment of 6,000 tons of gasoline, while imports of aviation fuel have begun and additional diesel and gasoline supplies are expected to follow.

Together, these moves signal a strategic shift in Mongolia's energy policy. Rather than relying on a single supplier, the government is seeking to build a more resilient fuel supply network capable of withstanding geopolitical shocks and future supply disruptions.

⭐ Selected for you

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

• Sumber Soum to Commission a Wind Power Plant by 2028. (EnergyInsightMagazine)

• How to Hire a C-Suite Leader in Mongolia: The 2026 Playbook. (LambdaGlobal)

• Development Bank of Mongolia in $750 Million Note Offering and Concurrent Tender Offer. (ClearyGottlieb)

• China’s CIPS will Become Settlement Norm in Mongolia Within 2 years, Golomt Bank Says. (SCMP)

POLITICS

• Mongolia Unveils the Steppe Action Agenda as a Long-Term Legacy Initiative of UNCCD COP17. (MOFA)

• Seoul’s Interest in Mongolia’s Rare Earths. (AsiaNews)

• Azerbaijan President Expresses Commitment to Elevating Cooperation with Mongolia to a New Stage. (EDNews)

• Breakthrough Through Geopolitical Storms: The Heart of Mongolia's First Oil Refinery Delivered from India. (Open.KG) 

• Mongolia and South Korea Cooperate to Improve Cancer Care Accessibility. (OncoDaily)

• Renewable Energy Share to Gradually Rise Until 2050. (UBPost)

• Mongolia, Japan Expand Energy Education Partnership. (mitv)

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE

• UNESCO Session in South Korea Inscribes 25 New World Heritage Sites. (TheChosunDaily)

• Mongolia Welcomes Scouts from Around the World for its Third International Jamboree. (WorldScouting)

• Archaeologists Discover 1,300-Year-Old Turkic Runic Inscription in Mongolia. (AKIPress)

• Seoul Street Becomes Car-Free Zone on Weekends. (UBTCC)

• In Mongolia, Looking Beyond the Snow Leopard. (PBS)

❄️ Before the Freeze: Inside Mongolia’s Winter Game Plan

Winter is coming. As Mongolia prepares for another harsh season, the government has introduced its 2026–2027 winter readiness plan, focusing on the country’s biggest vulnerabilities: heating and power supply, aging infrastructure, fuel security, and rural livelihoods.

🏙️ Ulaanbaatar: Managing an Aging Urban System

For Ulaanbaatar, winter preparation remains largely a battle against aging infrastructure. The capital is implementing 573 winter preparation projects, with progress reaching 57%, covering heating pipeline upgrades, power system maintenance, utility repairs, and drainage improvements.

• 👉 However, many of these measures are not new. Every year, the city enters winter with similar repair programs as it tries to keep aging systems running. Around 60% of underground utility networks have already exceeded their intended lifespan, meaning much of the current effort is focused on preventing failures rather than creating a fundamentally stronger system.

The biggest test will come when temperatures drop and heating demand reaches its peak. While these projects may reduce immediate risks, Ulaanbaatar still faces deeper challenges: outdated energy infrastructure, rising demand, and persistent winter air pollution.

⚡ Energy and Fuel: The Bigger Winter Challenge

The pressure on the capital reflects a broader national issue: Mongolia’s energy system is struggling to keep pace with demand. Electricity demand in the Central Region Integrated Power Grid is expected to reach 1,956 MW this winter, around 150 MW higher than last year. The government has allocated ₮350 billion for winter preparedness projects, including upgrades at major thermal power plants.

• ➕ There are, however, signs of improvement. After years of delays, new generation capacity is finally coming online. The 300 MW Buuruljuut Power Plant has begun supplying electricity, while the upcoming 70 MW Selenge plant and 660 MW Bayangiin Power Plant are expected to further expand domestic capacity in the coming years.

🐑 Rural Resilience: Protecting Against Another Dzud Risk

Winter challenges are not limited to cities. Across Mongolia, provinces are preparing for another season where extreme weather can threaten both livestock and rural livelihoods. Authorities are strengthening hay and fodder reserves, food supplies, and essential rural services to reduce the impact of potential dzud events. For a country where millions of livestock depend on seasonal conditions, early preparation is critical, because a difficult winter can quickly become an economic and social crisis for herding communities.

Finally… Mongolia’s winter challenge is not simply about surviving freezing temperatures. It is a test of whether the country can maintain reliable energy, protect vulnerable communities, and strengthen systems that have faced pressure for decades. The coming months will show whether this year’s preparations are enough, not only to prevent disruption, but also to build resilience for future winters.

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Publisher: Ts.Ankhbayar
Writer: M.Khulan
Graphics by: Ts.Tselmeg

Disclaimer: The information Inside Mongolia provides is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be or constitute financial advice, trading advice, or any other advice. The decision whether to consider the information we provide is solely our readers' independent decision.