Parliament discussed the Government policy on petroleum on Thursday.

Mineral Resources and Energy Minister D.Zorigt said the Government is focusing on establishing regional oil refineries. When Mongolia can produce fuel from coal, he said, Mongolia will no longer be dependent on imported foreign oil.

MPs asked about the recent increase in the price of AI-92 benzene. D.Zorigt replied that AI-92 benzene is imported not from Rosnefti LLC but from other companies. The companies are located farther away, so the price has increased.

He added that Russia has still has domestic fuel shortages, according to a statement made by the Russian prime minister. Therefore, Russia has increased its tax on fuel exports. However, the Government of Mongolia has repealed its excise tax on diesel fuel, with the aim of not increasing the price of that fuel.