Politics
Government Plans Public Poll on Proposed Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Spending
Published: 2026-10-13
The government plans to ask citizens through E-Mongolia how a proposed Oyu Tolgoi dividend should be spent, pending a final decision at the October 14 cabinet meeting. Prime Minister Uchral said the consultation would help determine priorities if a dividend is received. The government has included MNT 3 trillion in expected Oyu Tolgoi dividends in its 2027 budget after negotiations with Rio Tinto, although talks on the payment continue. Proposed uses include individual savings accounts, a 300 MW Thermal Power Plant No. 6 beside Thermal Power Plant No. 3, heating plants in nine provinces, livestock medicine and vaccine production, schools, a leather-processing plant, and upgrades at two border crossings. The DP parliamentary group says state-owned-company dividends should instead be deposited solely into citizens’ individual savings accounts under the National Wealth Fund Law.
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Anti-Corruption Agency Sends Customs and Registry Bribery Cases to Prosecutors
Published: 2026-10-13
The Anti-Corruption Agency has completed investigations into alleged bribery involving two former customs inspectors and a former property-rights registrar, sending the cases to prosecutors with recommendations for court referral. The customs cases concern former General Customs Administration quarantine inspector B.N and former Zamyn-Uud Customs Office inspector S.B, who are accused of accepting bribes in return for performing official duties. Former Bayanzurkh District property-rights registrar D.A is accused of accepting substantial bribes on 13 occasions for actions the official was not authorized to perform and of granting preferential treatment. During October 5-9, the agency investigated 997 criminal cases, recommended seven for court referral, and continued work on 978 cases. It also reviewed 103 crime-related complaints.
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Global Parliamentary Body Opens Rights Case Over MP E. Bolormaa
Published: 2026-10-13
The Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians has formally opened a case concerning MP E. Bolormaa, who faces a criminal investigation and a travel ban. The committee expressed concern that an allegation initially treated as an administrative violation was reclassified on June 4, 2025, as an offense carrying a possible one- to five-year prison sentence. It called on relevant authorities to lift the travel restriction imposed in March 2026 and restore her freedom of movement. The committee will continue examining complaints involving due process, fair-trial and free-expression rights, parliamentary immunity, and possible interference with her mandate, then report to the IPU Governing Council.
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B. Tuvshin Elected Leader of DP Parliamentary Group
Published: 2026-10-13
DP lawmakers elected MP B. Tuvshin as leader of their parliamentary group, replacing O. Tsogtgerel, who requested release from the post to focus on party work and internal organization. Tuvshin won 24 votes against 17 for MP Kh. Temuujin, with 41 of the group’s 42 members participating. Under the Law on Parliament, his duties begin after the group submits its decision to Parliament. Tuvshin was elected in 2024 from the II constituency covering Govi-Altai, Zavkhan, Khovd and Uvs. He previously served as finance director at APU JSC and chief executive of MIG Insurance. He said the group would seek unity, protect democratic principles and operate as a strong opposition focused on human rights, freedoms and economic freedom.
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Women Parliamentarians End Ulaanbaatar Forum With Four Action Priorities
Published: 2026-10-13
A two-day World Women Parliamentarians Forum in Ulaanbaatar ended on October 13 after bringing together nearly 150 official delegates from 32 countries across four continents, including 88 women lawmakers from more than 20 countries. Hosted under the theme “From Representation to Influence in Decision-Making,” the forum examined how women’s parliamentary representation can translate into influence over legislation and policy. Its final document identified five core issues: representation alone is insufficient, leadership roles matter, safe and fair conditions are essential, international cooperation must strengthen national leadership, and sustained broad partnerships are needed. Participants issued recommendations in four areas: increasing representation, converting it into influence, creating supportive environments, and expanding international cooperation to develop women politicians’ leadership and capacity.
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Bayarbaatar Chosen to Lead Parliament’s Law-Enforcement Oversight Panel
Published: 2026-10-13
The parliamentary Standing Committee on Legal Affairs selected MP B. Bayarbaatar on October 13 to chair the Special Oversight Subcommittee on Law-Enforcement Operations. The five-member body also includes MPs O. Altangerel, L. Soronzonbold, H. Temuujin and D. Tsogtbaatar. Its core role is to oversee whether law-enforcement agencies are carrying out their duties within the law. During the committee discussion, H. Temuujin said the panel should examine spending on operational work and covert investigations, while monitoring whether such activities comply with the law and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms. He said the subcommittee had only now been formed after the enabling legislation was proposed nearly two years ago, adopted more than a year ago and in force for six months.
“This is Parliament’s strongest oversight tool for checking whether these activities violate human rights and fundamental freedoms or follow the law.” - H. Temuujin (news.mn)
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Economy
AI-92 Petrol Reaches MNT 3,600 Per Liter as Supply Shortages Persist
Published: 2026-10-13
Regular AI-92 petrol rose by MNT 500-550 per liter to MNT 3,600 at some stations as supply shortages and queues continued, according to one report. That source reported the product’s price had increased by MNT 1,000-1,100 over the past eight months. Residents at stations in Bayankhoshuu and Zuragt said distributors had told them a MNT 560 increase was expected, and some said they could not obtain fuel even after queuing for 24 hours. AI-95, Euro-92 and diesel remained priced between MNT 4,760 and MNT 5,550; the source reported this was about 40% above October 2025 levels on average. Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources B. Munkhtamir said Russia raised its October AI-92 price by USD 190 per tonne, while Mongolia is discussing imports from China, South Korea and Malaysia.
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September Inflation Reaches 12.9%, Driven by Food and Transport Costs
Published: 2026-10-13
Annual consumer-price inflation reached 12.9% nationwide in September 2026, up from 9% a year earlier, according to the National Statistics Office. Prices rose 0.6% from August. Food prices increased 20.8% year on year, while goods rose 13.5% and services 11.2%. Food, beverages and water accounted for 5.6 percentage points of annual inflation; transport contributed 2.2 points and education services 1.2 points. The western region recorded the largest food-price increase, at 27.3%. Bank of Mongolia Governor S. Narantsogt told parliament on October 8 that meat and vegetable prices accounted for about half of inflation in July. The central bank tightened its policy rate and reserve requirements in August and plans to maintain restrictive policy while targeting inflation near 5% over the medium term.
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Copper Reaches $14,540 per Tonne
Published: 2026-10-13
Copper rose 1.6% on the London Metal Exchange on Friday to $14,540 per tonne. The source said Chinese inventories remained low and import demand reached a four-year high. It also reported that large volumes of metal moving into the United States were limiting copper supply elsewhere. Traders were monitoring a strike at Antofagasta Plc’s Centinela mine in Chile. The mine’s unions were in their third day of strike action, and the report said output could decline significantly within weeks. Other metals moved in different directions: aluminum fell 0.1% to $3,048.50 per tonne, while nickel rose 0.4% to $15,622 per tonne. Spot gold gained 1.7%, and silver rose 3.1%.
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Housing Price Index Reaches 1.47 in September
Published: 2026-10-13
The National Statistics Office reported that the housing price index was 1.47 in September 2026. The average price of newly built housing was MNT 4.78 million per square meter as of September. By location, the average price per square meter of new housing was highest around Sukhbaatar Square and the 220 Myangat area of Sukhbaatar District, at MNT 7.99 million. The lowest reported figure was around the 21st Khoroolol in Songinokhairkhan District, at MNT 3.31 million per square meter. The report identifies these as average prices for new housing, while the index covers housing prices more broadly. The figures were reported by the National Statistics Office in its September housing-price update.
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Anti-Corruption Agency Completes Bribery Investigation Into Marin New Post Executives
Published: 2026-10-13
Investigators at the Anti-Corruption Agency have completed their investigation into executives and customs brokers linked to Marin New Post LLC and will seek an indictment. The company director, Kh. Tuyaa, executive Kh. Bat-Amar, and customs brokers G. Delgermaa and B. Erdenechimeg are accused of giving money to obtain advantages connected to officials’ duties. The case follows an earlier investigation of Ulaanbaatar Customs Department inspectors who allegedly accepted bribes ranging from MNT 500,000 to MNT 50 million; some admitted guilt and received sentences of up to one year through simplified proceedings. Customs inspector B. Nyam-Osor was detained on April 26 while allegedly accepting MNT 50 million from Tuyaa near the 22 Auto Trade Center, in connection with registering the company’s heavy vehicles as accredited customs carriers.
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Infrastructure
Bus-Only Lanes Open on Key Routes to Yarmag
Published: 2026-10-13
Ulaanbaatar has cleared the first lanes of Chinggis Avenue and Naadamchdyn Avenue for public buses, with other vehicles warned not to use them. According to the route map released by the Public Transport Policy Department, the designated first lane runs from Sukhbaatar Square to the Nisekh intersection. The measure follows the capital governor’s September 30 order establishing a rapid-response headquarters to reduce traffic crashes, prevent crime and violations, ensure road safety, clear lanes and stops for public transport, and ease congestion. The Traffic Police Department, the Public Transport Policy Department and the Road Traffic Management Center are jointly controlling traffic signals centrally and promptly adjusting traffic flows when needed.
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New Rail Link Bypasses Central Ulaanbaatar for Freight Traffic
Published: 2026-10-13
Mongolian Railway has put the 127.1-kilometer Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley-Emeelt railway into operation, creating a freight route around central Ulaanbaatar. The MNT 1.9 trillion project includes four stations, three passing loops and 127 culverts, while the Development Bank of Mongolia provided USD 100 million in financing. One source describes nine reinforced-concrete bridges totaling 1,200 meters; another cites 1,279.11 meters of bridge structures. Both sources say the railway is expected to carry 3.5 million tonnes of cargo next year. One projects 20 million tonnes annually later, while the other gives a 20-25 million-tonne range. Officials also estimate that 316-1,800, or 300-1,800, heavy vehicles could be diverted daily. The route is intended to move 34 categories of hazardous cargo away from the city center and support the Khushig Valley logistics center.
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Border Ports Council Reviews Gashuunsukhait Expansion and 10 Other Issues
Published: 2026-10-13
The National Border Ports Council, chaired by Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan, considered 11 matters at a meeting on October 13. Border Ports Administration head E. Gantulga presented a draft resolution on whether to expand the container transport terminal at Gashuunsukhait border port in Khanbogd soum, Umnugovi Province. Mendsaikhan instructed the relevant ministries and agencies to submit views on the proposal. The Foreign Ministry also reported on results from the seventh meeting of the Mongolia-China Joint Border Commission. Members reviewed accommodation for state special-service personnel at Gashuunsukhait and its development master plan, as well as proposals concerning bridge crossings at Dayan-Hongshanzui, Bayankhoshuu-Ovdug and Sumber-Rashaan ports. The council discussed plans for Shiveekhuren and Baitag ports and possible working groups on border-port law and common transport rules.
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Zamiin-Uud Logistics Center Expects to Handle 111,000 Containers This Year
Published: 2026-10-13
The Zamiin-Uud transshipment unit expects to process 1.8 million tonnes of freight and load or unload 111,000 containers in 2026. Opened in 2018, the 128-hectare logistics center is a key node in the Russia-Mongolia-China economic corridor. It has container, heavy-cargo and warehousing zones, capacity for 800 rail wagons a day, 11.5 kilometers of broad- and standard-gauge loading tracks, and two 50-tonne gantry cranes. The unit operates around the clock, transferring freight arriving from China by rail and road between vehicles and wagons. During pandemic transport restrictions, it received more than 26,000 containers carrying food, consumer goods, medicines and medical supplies through a jointly agreed cargo-exchange point. It has also supplied more than 30,000 rails for major railway construction projects.
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Society
Police Arrest 34 Suspects in Online Gambling Investigation
Published: 2026-10-13
Police arrested 34 people from five groups accused of organizing online gambling and identified MNT 43.1 billion in illegal transactions. They also found concealed assets including high-value apartments and vehicles, and seized items allegedly used to organize gambling. Police said the groups had created gambling websites and clubs on the Pokerrr application, identifying the Armani site and the Dollar Holdem, Putin Akh, Mazab, Khuree and 42y22 clubs. They said the server for the Mazab, Khuree and 42y22 clubs had been located in a rural area. Police warned that people organizing this type of crime may use several accounts to play against a single player and deceive participants. They said broader measures to detect, stop and prevent online-gambling offenses continue.
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Police Investigate MNT 3.7 Billion Alleged Gold-Order Fraud
Published: 2026-10-13
Police are investigating B. Ichinkhorloo and N. Munkhbaatar over allegations that they defrauded about 30 people of an estimated MNT 3.7 billion through online gold-order offers. The case was registered on October 4, and both suspects are being held while the investigation continues. Since April, they allegedly used the Facebook accounts “Sak Saikhnuud” and “Altaar Urs” to offer gold and gold jewelry from South Korea at prices far below market levels. The report says initial orders were delivered, helping build trust before further orders were allegedly taken. Sources cited by Isee say the pair, described as family members, may have bought real estate and a holiday resort with the proceeds and have reportedly begun transferring those assets to others.
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Environment
Fire Damages 80% of Nomrog Strictly Protected Area
Published: 2026-10-13
A steppe fire that began on October 8 in the Nomrog Strictly Protected Area in Khalkhgol soum, Dornod province, damaged 80% of the reserve, according to the provincial governor and emergency commission chair. More than 200 emergency and border-force personnel from six provinces, using 35 vehicles, contained the blaze at 12:55 a.m. on October 12, though work to fully extinguish it continued. The fire covered an area reported as 80 kilometers wide and 90 kilometers long, while environmental damage had not been finalized. Reports said a vehicle carrying Mobicom personnel working on 4G connections for border posts and fiber-optic infrastructure at Sumber border checkpoint caught fire. Mobicom said its staff had official permission from border forces; the environment ministry said they lacked permission to enter the protected area and had not given prior notice.
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Authorities Report 997-1,006 Bear Incidents and Kill 20 High-Risk Animals
Published: 2026-10-13
Sources reported 997 to 1,006 brown-bear incidents nationwide this year, including bears entering settlements, attacking livestock and damaging property. Between October 10 and 11, 62 reports were logged, including 46 in nine soums of Zavkhan province. Preliminary reports for October 12 recorded 15 calls, including livestock losses in Khuvsgul and Bulgan provinces. The National Emergency Commission said about 40 incidents involved property or livestock damage, while another report put the figure at about 140 incidents threatening life, health or property. A bear attack in Ulaanbaatar’s Bayanzurkh district killed one person and injured another. Officials said 20 bears posing risks in settlements were killed, while patrols continued. The government approved funding to procure tranquilizer equipment and is considering compensation for people injured or killed and for property losses.
“There will be no uncontrolled operation telling people to hunt a set number of bears.” - T. Bayarkhuu (eagle.mn)
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Authorities Cull 13,890 Goats in Govi-Altai Disease Outbreak
Published: 2026-10-13
Veterinary authorities in Govi-Altai province have culled 13,890 goats from 32 households in Tsogt and Delger soums following an outbreak of Godron disease. As of October 12, 570 goats had been reported ill. The cull covered 11,891 goats from 27 households in Tsogt soum and 1,999 goats from five households in Delger soum, according to the provincial Veterinary Service. The measures apply to herds in the affected outbreak areas. The government has decided to provide MNT 1.5 billion for production of a vaccine against the disease and to address compensation for herders whose animals are culled. Provincial officials did not report the outbreak beyond the two soums in the cited update.
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Semi-Coked Fuel Imports Begin for Ulaanbaatar’s Winter Supply
Published: 2026-10-13
Tavantolgoi Fuel LLC has begun importing semi-coked fuel for Ulaanbaatar’s 2026-2027 heating season under a June tender worth MNT 288.78 billion. Mongolia plans to import 280,000 tonnes from Wuzhou Branch of Shenmu Energy Development Co., part of China’s Shanxi Coal Chemical Group, the supplier used last winter. Four consignments totaling 200 rail wagons had crossed the border by October 13; the first 50 wagons arrived at the company’s Eastern Plant for bagging, while other consignments were at Bayan station and Zamiin-Uud. Households will be offered 25-kilogram bags for MNT 5,000. Tavantolgoi Fuel also plans to supply 427,000 tonnes of fuel overall, including 120,000 tonnes of briquettes made from washed thermal coal.
“Keeping carbon monoxide detectors switched on is the most important way to prevent poisoning.” - S. Davaasuren (zarig.mn)
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Power Reliability Remains Central to Cleaner-Heating Trials
Published: 2026-10-13
Ulaanbaatar plans to test electric heat-storage systems in 6,000-10,000 households this winter, following a pilot of gas heaters in about 4,800 homes last winter. Around 80 percent of surveyed participants said they were satisfied with the gas heaters, while about 90 percent said they would recommend them. The pilot also exposed problems with electricity supply: voltage drops and power restrictions reduced the heaters’ capacity. The report identifies network capacity as a key issue for expanding electric heating, particularly if many households begin using the systems simultaneously. It also notes that gas-heater users reported limited fuel sales points, spare parts and repair services. A gas heater costs about MNT 6.5 million, excluding fuel. Pilot households reportedly received MNT 900,000 in winter support, while the future of that subsidy remains unclear.
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Grassland Fires Made Up 134 Incidents This Year
Published: 2026-10-13
Mongolia recorded 172 forest and grassland fires in two capital districts and 63 soums across 12 provinces from the start of the year through October 11. The source reported that this was 36.2% lower than during the same period a year earlier. It listed 134 grassland-fire incidents. The response protected 4,950 gers, 25 winter livestock shelters, fences and sheds, and eight vehicles; it also relocated eight people from three households and about 3,760 animals. One person died and two were burned. The fires affected an estimated 1,016,908 hectares and caused about MNT 7.9 billion in damage. Dornod recorded 61 fires, followed by Sukhbaatar with 39 and Khentii with 28.
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Authorities Cull 175 Goat Kids in Khovd to Prevent Disease Spread
Published: 2026-10-13
Veterinary authorities culled 175 goat kids from two households in Uyench soum, Khovd province, after a breeding buck was brought into a herders’ enclosure. The buck had previously shared an enclosure with goats illegally brought across the border from China from an area where godron disease had been detected. Although laboratory tests did not find infection in the animals in Uyench, officials ordered the cull because the disease can have an incubation period of up to 45 days. The goat kids had shared the enclosure with the buck, creating a potential transmission risk. Khovd Provincial Veterinary Department head D. Battsengel said the measure was intended to prevent any possible spread of the disease.
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Health
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Sends 74 Residents for Medical Care in Two Weeks
Published: 2026-10-13
Seventy-four people received medical care for carbon monoxide poisoning in Ulaanbaatar between September 29 and October 12, according to two-week surveillance data presented by the National Center for Public Health. Cases were recorded across six districts of the capital: Songinokhairkhan reported 28 cases, Chingeltei and Bayanzurkh 15 each, Khan-Uul 11, Sukhbaatar four, and Nalaikh one. The figures cover reported cases that received medical assistance during the surveillance period. The center advised residents on prevention measures, including not removing stove chimneys and not completely sealing their homes. The advice was presented as a way for residents to protect themselves and their families from carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Seasonal Flu Vaccination Advances as Health Services Expand Winter Capacity
Published: 2026-10-13
Seasonal influenza vaccination is continuing before wider circulation of flu-like viruses, with 500,000 doses of a World Health Organization-recommended quadrivalent vaccine produced in South Korea procured through UNICEF with government funding. The National Center for Communicable Diseases said rhinovirus, adenovirus, and enterovirus are currently circulating, and 36 family health centers across Ulaanbaatar’s six districts are operating on scheduled weekend hours. Priority groups include children aged six months to six years, pregnant women, people aged 65 and older, and people with chronic illnesses. One report said 217,717 of 293,610 planned priority recipients had been vaccinated, while another reported 356,669 vaccinated nationwide and 77.8 percent coverage in Ulaanbaatar as of October 13. City health organizations plan to expand bed capacity from 757 to 1,607 during winter preparations.
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Health Minister Orders Stronger Flu Vaccination and Child Screening Measures
Published: 2026-10-13
Health Minister E. Batshugar instructed health institution leaders to reassess readiness as the 2026-2027 influenza season begins, strengthen flu vaccination, and ensure stocks of medicines, medical supplies and diagnostic tests, sufficient beds, and staffing arrangements. He also directed institutions to increase HPV vaccination and cervical-cancer early screening, improve treatment and monitoring of detected cases, and report weekly on the 90/70/90 program. From October 1 to December 1, preventive and early-detection examinations are to cover 130,548 children at 332 schools and 607 kindergartens in Ulaanbaatar. The directives also call for better pregnancy monitoring, identification of high-risk pregnant women, and improved obstetric and neonatal emergency readiness. Institutions must implement 36 updated forms and fully establish electronic prescribing. Batshugar said prevention should precede increased illness.
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Education Ministry Tests School Paint and Indoor Air for Toxic Substances
Published: 2026-10-13
The Ministry of Education collected and tested paint-material and indoor-air samples nationwide at schools, kindergartens and dormitories newly opened or given major repairs this year. Based on the test results, paint and indoor-air samples at some schools and kindergartens are undergoing repeat testing. If final results establish that lead, benzene or other harmful substances in paint materials or indoor air exceed permitted levels, the paint will be completely removed and the surfaces repainted. The ministry said it plans to require major repairs and painting at schools and kindergartens to be fully completed before August 1 each year, with requirements to be strictly enforced. It said toxic paint and construction materials that fail to meet requirements will not be used again in schools and kindergartens.
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Reclaimed Hospital Set to Add Round-the-Clock Pediatric Specialist Care
Published: 2026-10-13
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdavaa inspected renovation work to convert the former Traditional Medicine Liver Research Clinical Center in Songinokhairkhan District’s 15th khoroo into a pediatric branch of the district general hospital. The facility, operated under a management contract since 2008, returned to municipal ownership after the city Privatization Commission cancelled the relevant resolution last year. Songinokhairkhan’s pediatric unit has 135 beds but can expand to 400 during peak influenza outbreaks, when some children have been accommodated in corridors. Purevdavaa ordered officials to accelerate the renovation and open the hospital on November 1. A reception-area expansion and an additional elevator are also planned. The hospital is intended to provide 24-hour specialist pediatric care in Songinokhairkhan and serve children in Bayangol District’s 5th, 7th, and 30th khoroos.
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Health Insurer Transfers MNT 99.8 Billion in Advance Funding
Published: 2026-10-13
The General Authority for Health Insurance said it transferred MNT 99.8 billion in October advance funding to contracted healthcare providers. It also reported an MNT 11.8 billion performance-based payment, calculated from August reimbursement claims for discounted medicines. Health Insurance Fund funding included MNT 26.1 billion for soum health centers, MNT 12.7 billion for family health centers, MNT 58.5 billion for state-owned referral hospitals, and MNT 2.4 billion for private providers. At its meeting last Friday, the authority’s council considered budget-amendment matters and resolutions and decisions linked to wage increases for sector workers. It also directed that selection of discounted medicines be accelerated and that healthcare organizations’ debt issues be handled within the relevant mandates. The council approved schedules, payment levels, and financing procedures for preventive and early-detection examinations based in kindergartens and general education schools.
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