Politics
Anti-Corruption Agency Sends MNT 5.2 Billion Bribery Case to Prosecutors
Published: 2026-08-04
The Anti-Corruption Agency has completed its investigation into former Ulaanbaatar deputy governor T. Davaadalai and related individuals, sending the case to prosecutors with a recommendation that it be transferred to court. The investigation began in April into major city projects and concerns the preliminary feasibility study and design tender for the New Ring Road project, budgeted at MNT 16.9 billion. Investigators allege that Davaadalai, Metro project manager and director T. Munkhdalai, Ring Road project manager and director A. Erbol, and a company director identified as N.B. changed the terms of reference to provide an unlawful advantage in future work. They also allege that Davaadalai accepted MNT 5.2 billion in bribes through a company founded by his wife, B. Ankhtuya, between April 9 and October 27, 2025, and laundered the proceeds.
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Published: 2026-08-04
Parliament adopted amendments to Mongolia’s social-insurance laws on July 2, scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The reform introduces a multi-pillar pension framework combining a basic pension, an insurance-fund pension and voluntary private supplementary savings, with state support for voluntary contributions. It also changes the wage base for pension calculations from the average of the final five years of contributions to the final 10 years. The article reports concern that, without an adequate mechanism to align earlier earnings with inflation and real wage growth, the change could lower calculated pensions for people whose salaries rose later in their careers. Other provisions will gradually defer retirement eligibility for specified groups, including mothers with many children, by three months each year from 2029.
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District Governor Penalized Over Unauthorized Relocation of Zorig Statue
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdagva imposed a disciplinary penalty on Sukhbaatar District Governor M. Altangerel for authorizing the relocation of the statue of S. Zorig, a prominent political and social figure. Altangerel’s base salary will be reduced by 20 percent for three months after officials concluded that the authorization exceeded powers set out in laws protecting municipal property and cultural heritage. The statue was moved overnight from outside the Central Post Office and later returned to its original location over the weekend. The mayor said the municipality had not authorized the move. The site is designated for public use and was placed under local special protection by a 2024 resolution of the Ulaanbaatar Citizens’ Representatives Khural.
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Economy
Fuel Imports Confirmed as Ulaanbaatar Maintains Temporary Rationing
Published: 2026-08-04
Mongolia has confirmed plans to import 270,910 tonnes of fuel from Russia, China and South Korea in August as authorities seek to restore supplies after fuel-station queues and lower reserves. Planned imports include 49,280 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline and 9,700 tonnes of Euro AI-92 from Russia, 6,000 tonnes of AI-92 and AI-95 from China, and 20,000 tonnes of Euro AI-92 from South Korea. The Industry and Mineral Resources Ministry said orders from the three countries have been confirmed. It also said an additional 2,000 tonnes of diesel and 2,000 tonnes of aviation fuel from China are ready for loading. License-plate-based fuel sales and a MNT 50,000 per-vehicle limit are temporary measures intended to help rebuild reserves.
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Fuel Shortage Threatens Peak-Season Tourism Operations
Published: 2026-08-04
The Tourism Professional Association and tourism businesses say fuel shortages are disrupting peak-season operations in July and August, with supplies unavailable in major destination areas including Khuvsgul and Umnugovi. The association estimates that about 120,000 visitors will arrive in August, rising above 150,000 if existing bookings are not cancelled. It says 15,000 drivers are expected to serve booked visitors and that the sector needs 6,000 tonnes of fuel in August. Vice President B. Dulamsuren said operators had sought information from relevant ministries before Naadam but received no response after supplies tightened. The association estimates potential sector-wide losses at MNT 1.2 trillion, including MNT 300 billion for tour operators.
“If the fuel issue is not resolved, tour operators alone will initially face losses of MNT 300 billion.” - B. Dulamsuren (urug.mn)
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South Korean Tourist Arrivals Fall 6.6 Percent
Published: 2026-08-04
South Korean arrivals to Mongolia totalled 56,197 since the start of 2026, according to the Mongolia Korean Market Tourism Association. The association said the total was 6.6 percent lower than in the same period of 2025 and 11.5 percent lower than in 2024. It also reported that the daily average fell from 350 in 2024 and 330 in 2025 to 310 this year. South Korean visitors typically travel to Mongolia most actively from June through September, though industry specialists do not expect a sharp increase before the season ends. The association cited the weaker won, higher prices for services in Mongolia and stronger tourism activity elsewhere in Asia as factors. It also said fuel-supply disruptions have caused difficulties for South Korean travelers in the Gobi region over the past two years.
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Diplomacy
US Visa-Bond Policy Adds Mongolia to List of 50 Countries
Published: 2026-08-04
A report said the United States has made its visa-bond policy permanent for B1/B2 business and tourist visa applicants from 50 countries, including Mongolia, with bonds of up to USD 20,000. The measure reportedly expands an earlier pilot programme and raises the maximum potential bond from USD 15,000. Under the arrangement described in the report, a consular officer may require a bond from an applicant where the United States assesses risks such as visa overstays, immigration-law violations, cooperation on accepting returned nationals, or border and security screening. The report said Mongolia was added to the programme this year and raised questions about what consultations Mongolian authorities have held with Washington. It did not provide an official statement from the US State Department or Mongolia’s embassy confirming the policy’s application details.
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Infrastructure
Capital Sets Alternate-Day Driving Rules From August 15
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar will apply alternate-day driving restrictions based on the final digit of vehicle registration plates from August 15 through September 12, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. The measure is intended to reduce traffic during preparations for the new school year and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 conference. Three supplied reports describe the rule as applying without zoning across Ulaanbaatar, while another says it will apply in the capital’s central six districts. Vehicles with odd-numbered plates may drive on August 15, 17, 19 and subsequent listed odd-numbered dates; even-numbered plates may drive on the corresponding even-numbered dates. Tourist buses registered with the Traffic Management Center and vehicles with more than eight seats are exempt. The road measure is separate from temporary plate-based fuel-sales restrictions through August 15.
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New Zes-Oyu Facility Enables Up to 80 MW of Winter Power Imports
Published: 2026-08-04
A new 220-kilovolt Zes-Oyu outdoor switchyard at the Oyu Tolgoi mine complex in Umnugovi Province has entered service, creating the technical conditions to import up to 80 megawatts of electricity from Inner Mongolia during winter peak demand. The facility includes six 220-kilovolt bays and a three-kilometer overhead transmission line, linking Oyu Tolgoi’s supply infrastructure to the national grid. Oyu Tolgoi financed the project, which was built by more than 20 domestic companies with about 2,000 engineers and technical workers. Power-purchase and dispatch agreements were signed on December 16, 2025. The Energy Ministry said the connection could supply the southern region, reduce pressure on the central grid and reduce electricity restrictions during peak winter demand. Construction began in 2024 after the ministry requested Oyu Tolgoi’s financing in May 2023.
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Zaisan West Bridge to Close for Asphalt Repairs
Published: 2026-08-04
Vehicle traffic on the 250-metre road section over the western Zaisan Bridge will close from 11 p.m. on August 7 until 6 a.m. on August 10 for asphalt-concrete resurfacing. The work follows the replacement of the eastern Zaisan Bridge over the Tuul River: the old eastern bridge was demolished in 2024 and its replacement entered service last year. ZMZ LLC will carry out the western bridge repairs, the Ulaanbaatar Road Development Agency said. The combined expansion and modernization of the eastern and western reinforced-concrete bridges has a total 2022-2026 budget of MNT 41.1 billion. MNT 3.5 billion from the Road Fund has been approved for this year’s western-bridge repairs.
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City Moves to Restore Rental Scooters and Mopeds After Restrictions
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar is taking steps to return rental scooters and mopeds to service after their movement was temporarily restricted from August 1. Road Development Agency director B. Odbayar said the city governor instructed the agency on August 3 to send police a formal request for their urgent return. The city is marking 31.5 kilometres of lanes along Ikh Toiruu, Baga Toiruu and Narnii Road; the work was 50% complete. It also plans to finish markings separating the first public-transport lane on Peace Avenue, Naadamchdyn Avenue, Ikh Toiruu and Chinggis Avenue by August 15. Revised road-safety rules classify electric scooters and Surron vehicles as mopeds, require riders to be at least 18 and trained, and impose a MNT 200,000 fine on parents or guardians when minors ride them.
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Fifteen Bus Routes Diverted Until August 11 for Drainage Work
Published: 2026-08-04
Fifteen Ulaanbaatar bus routes are operating on temporary diversions through August 11 while crews excavate and install a drainage pipe on Trade Union Street in Songinokhairkhan District’s 29th khoroo. The affected road section, near the north side of Suu JSC, runs from in front of the company and the Teso Company road intersection to the Depot bus stop. It has been fully closed since July 14 and is scheduled to reopen on August 11. Routes Ch:16Z, Ch:62Z, Ch:77Z, Ch:12Z, Ch:16AZ, D:8Z, Ch:6Z, Ch:82Z, M:1AZ, Ch:20AZ, Ch:44Z, Ch:46Z, Ch:57Z, Ch:57BZ and Ch:20BZ are affected. Buses serving Zuunsalaa, Baruun Salaa, Bayankhoshuu and several other destinations are detouring via Tolgoit Road before rejoining their main routes.
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MIAT Cancels Istanbul Service After Boeing 787-9 Technical Fault
Published: 2026-08-04
MIAT cancelled its scheduled OM161/162 Ulaanbaatar-Istanbul-Ulaanbaatar service on August 2 after a technical fault was reported on a Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The carrier said it was promptly arranging transfers and connecting flights for passengers who had bought tickets for the cancelled service. It also adjusted the schedules of all Seoul, Tokyo and Beijing flights through August 4 because of the disruption. MIAT said rebooked flight information was being sent to the mobile numbers and email addresses passengers provided when purchasing tickets. The airline warned that its information centre could face heavy call volumes and apologised for the inconvenience caused by the schedule changes.
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Electricity Billing Cycle Changes for Selected Ulaanbaatar Districts
Published: 2026-08-04
From August, Ulaanbaatar Electricity Distribution Network will move meter reading, invoice delivery, payment collection and debt recovery into a single unified cycle for customers in Songinokhairkhan and Chingeltei districts. The arrangement also covers customers served by the Nalaikh and Zuunmod centres for summer-camp areas. The change is linked to the phased installation of smart meters for households. Customers in the affected areas will pay their electricity bills between the 20th and 30th of each month. The utility said the unified cycle will standardise payment timing for these consumers. The announcement applies specifically to the listed districts and service centres, rather than to all electricity customers in Ulaanbaatar.
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Border Crossings to Operate Normally Throughout August
Published: 2026-08-04
Mongolia’s border protection authority has announced the operating schedule for national border crossings in August 2026. According to the announcement, crossings on both the Russian and Chinese borders will operate normally throughout the month, with no planned closures. The notice sets out the August operating status for Mongolia’s land-border entry and exit points. Neither report identifies changes to individual crossing hours or separate holiday arrangements, but both state that the authority has issued the August timetable. The notice covers crossings along both international borders and indicates that regular operations are expected to continue during August rather than being suspended for scheduled closures. The authority did not provide further details in the reports.
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Jade Gas Targets 2027 Drilling Start for Tavan Tolgoi Methane Project
Published: 2026-08-04
Australian Securities Exchange-listed Jade Gas Holdings aims to finalize a financing agreement by September for its Tavan Tolgoi coal-bed methane project in Mongolia. If the agreement is completed, the company plans to begin production drilling in early 2027. A consortium comprising PT Beijing Energy Linking, PetroChina and Hunan Geology & Mining Technology proposed last month to fully finance the project’s first development phase with USD 762.5 million, or AUD 1.1 billion. Jade Gas said engineering, logistics and construction preparations could start in 2026 if a final agreement is reached by the end of the current quarter. The first drilling phase is planned to include 175 production wells, with up to 10 rigs operating in the second and third quarters of 2027. The company is also studying an LNG plant for gas from more than 40 wells at the Ulaan Nuur field.
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Petition Challenges National-Road Fee Increase
Published: 2026-08-04
Citizen E. Batbayar has filed a petition through the D-Parliament public e-petition system seeking repeal of a decision described as setting provincial-road fees at 10,000 togrog. The petition follows a government increase in national-road user charges under Resolution No. 273, effective August 1. Passenger-car fees rose from 1,000 to 5,000 togrog, while truck charges rose from 10,000 to 20,000 togrog. Mongolia operates 33 toll collection points, located at intervals of roughly 220 kilometers nationwide. The report identifies the August 1 tariff change as the basis for the petition and says Batbayar is asking for the fee decision to be cancelled.
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Erdenet-Bulgan Road Reopens After Flood Closure
Published: 2026-08-04
The Erdenet-Bulgan section of the A1002 national road reopened fully at 22:13 on August 3 after flooding temporarily closed it at kilometer 29 in Bulgan province. Heavy rain over recent days breached the road embankment and sent floodwater onto the carriageway, prompting the closure. Warning signs and markings were placed at the damaged location to support traffic safety. Bulgan province is crossed by paved routes on the Ulaanbaatar-Rashaant horizontal corridor and the Bulgan-Orkhon-Khishig-Ondor-Gurvanbulag vertical corridor. During the flood, the provincial emergency department received reports that two vehicles had been carried by water. Rescue personnel responded, and the vehicles were recovered without serious damage after water levels fell. Authorities advised drivers to follow official road-condition information and warning signs during continuing rain.
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Ulaanbaatar Sets September 20 Deadline for Sapporo-Bound Road Resurfacing
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar’s Road Development Department says resurfacing on the inbound road from the end of the Third and Fourth Microdistrict to Sapporo will be completed by September 20. A thermal-pipeline connection on the road linking Tolgoit with Ard Ayush Street is scheduled for completion on August 15; line-relocation work will begin afterward. Officials also plan to fully reopen the road from Sodon Microdistrict to the Trauma Hospital this week. Road, pedestrian-path and bicycle-path construction is being carried out at night. The department expects to complete 101 kilometers of road construction across the capital by November 1 and to reopen Nukt Road after resurfacing by September 15. The 3.9-kilometer Tolgoit–Ard Ayush link opened to traffic last October, while work on its unfinished sidewalks and bridge structure continues.
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Society
City Pledges Flood-Risk Review After Girl Dies in Ulziit Flood
Published: 2026-08-04
Heavy rain between Batsumber in Tuv Province and Ulaanbaatar’s Ulziit district on August 1 caused flooding that affected five members of one family. The source reports that, after their vehicle stopped, the father removed a five-month-old and a three-year-old child before the flood swept away the vehicle with an 11-year-old girl in the rear seat. The girl died. The two children were taken unconscious to hospital and regained consciousness the following day; their aunt said they remained in intensive care in moderate condition. Search efforts were slowed by mud and gravel, and the girl’s body was found on August 2. Residents said the area floods repeatedly and prior requests resulted only in a small drainage ditch. Mayor B. Purevdgva said the city would address utility lines, sanitation and a broader environmental review of flood risks.
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Published: 2026-08-04
Mongolia’s Consulate General in Erenhot has warned of a rise in fraud involving Facebook pages, groups, Marketplace and WeChat. Since January 2026, 25 Mongolian citizens have been victimized by schemes advertising goods for sale, purchases from Erenhot or low-cost brokerage services. Scammers communicate in Mongolian, claim mutual acquaintances, and use false reviews and product images to gain trust. They typically cut off contact after receiving a deposit or full payment. The consulate advised buyers to verify a seller’s real name, phone number, address and business registration; request a live video demonstration of goods; avoid transfers to third-party accounts; limit advance payments for first purchases; and retain advertisements, chats, account details and payment records.
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Environment
Six Die in Three Days of Water Incidents as River Levels Stay High
Published: 2026-08-04
Six people have died in water-related incidents in Ulaanbaatar during the past three days, while emergency services continue searching for two others, the Capital Emergency Management Agency said on August 4. The agency recorded eight incident calls during the period. Nineteen people have died in water incidents in the capital since the start of 2026, including three children. The Tuul and Terelj rivers exceeded dangerous flood levels on July 30, July 31 and August 1, and officials said river levels are not expected to fall until September 15. Flooding along the Tuul River near Biocombinat prompted evacuations from 28 households and nearby accommodation and training facilities; reports gave a total of 183 people but conflicting category counts. Emergency teams also located an 11-year-old child after a vehicle was swept away near Turgen River in Khan-Uul District.
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Eight Rivers Exceed Flood Stage and Two Reach Dangerous Levels
Published: 2026-08-04
River levels have risen across several regions, with eight rivers above flood stage and the Balj and Onon rivers exceeding dangerous flood levels by 15 centimeters as of August 4, meteorological authorities reported. Water levels on the Kherlen near Undurkhaan, the Orkhon, Khanui, Taats and Namir rivers increased by 10 to 25 centimeters from the previous day. The Tuul near Lun, the Sugnugur, Kharaa near Darkhan, Kherlen near Mungunmorit, Baydrag near Bayanburd in Buutsagaan, Khugshin Orkhon, Ongi near Saikhan-Ovoo and Kharkhiraa near Tarialan were 5 to 20 centimeters above flood stage. The Capital Emergency Management Agency also said the Tuul and Terelj had reached dangerous flood levels. Authorities advised people to avoid flood-prone areas, riverbanks and dry streambeds, use established bridges and crossings, and keep children away from rivers and floodwater.
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Emergency Agency Warns of Flash-Flood Risk After August Heat
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar’s Emergency Management Agency has warned that August weather could bring greater flood risk than July, as periods of intense heat may be followed by sudden heavy rain. The agency says two flash floods have already occurred in the capital since the start of August, while flash floods have also affected roads in Darkhan, Bulgan and Bayankhongor. It urged people not to settle or travel along river basins, mountains or ravines, citing a recent incident in which people in a vehicle were swept away after encountering floodwater in a mountain ravine. The warning follows meteorological advice that short, intense downpours can occur after hot conditions.
“Do not settle or travel along river basins, mountains or ravines.” - D. Oyunbat (ikon.mn)
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Ulaanbaatar Plans Corn-Based Binder for Winter Briquette Fuel
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar is preparing fuel supplies for the 2026-2027 heating season, when households in the city’s ger districts are expected to use about 460,000 tonnes of heating fuel. The plan calls for importing 280,000 tonnes of semi-coke fuel and producing 180,000 tonnes of briquettes domestically through Tavan Tolgoi Fuel. Mayor B. Purevdgva said the briquettes will use a corn-based binder intended to reduce air pollution and limit environmental impacts. Tavan Tolgoi Fuel has already stockpiled 28,000 tonnes of coke fuel. The measures concern household heating demand during the coming winter and the city’s stated effort to reduce air pollution while limiting adverse environmental effects.
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Pasture Growth Rated Good Across 55% of the Country
Published: 2026-08-04
Pasture vegetation growth was rated good across 55% of Mongolia’s territory as of July 31, according to the Agricultural Meteorology Research Department of the Information and Research Institute of Meteorology, Hydrology and Environment. Conditions were assessed as average on 40% of the country and poor on 5%. Poor growth was reported in a few soums of Bayankhongor, Uvurkhangai and Dundgovi, and isolated soums in Khovd, Zavkhan, Govi-Altai, Dornogovi and Umnugovi. All of Orkhon, Selenge, Darkhan-Uul, Tuv, Govisumber and Dornod had good growth, as did much of several northern and western provinces. As of July 25, yields ranged from 4.1 to 16.9 centners per hectare in some central and eastern soums, versus 0.1 to 4.0 in steppe and Gobi areas.
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Innovation
COP17 Brings Temporary Online Arrangements to 133 Schools and Kindergartens
Published: 2026-08-04
Ulaanbaatar will introduce temporary operating arrangements at 73 kindergartens and 60 general education schools in five districts during the UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP17 conference, scheduled for August 17-28. The measures apply to institutions within the conference organization zone in Bayangol, Bayanzurkh, Sukhbaatar, Khan-Uul and Chingeltei districts. On-site registration will not take place during that period; enrolment, registration and student transfers will move online. Teachers and staff will be enabled to work remotely, and schools will prepare to provide online learning if needed. Kindergartens will operate flexibly according to parents’ and guardians’ needs, while families will receive advance notice intended to reduce vehicle trips for drop-off and pick-up. Regular in-person activities are scheduled to begin on September 1.
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Education Ministry Pursues 35-Pupil Class Limit in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-08-04
At a public consultation on the 2027 education-budget proposal, Education Minister L. Enkh-Amgalan said the ministry aims to limit classes in Ulaanbaatar to 35 pupils in the 2026-2027 school year. The city has 1,068 classes with more than 40 pupils. He said proposed measures include using under-enrolled kindergartens for Grades 1 and 2, creating primary schools in residential complexes, and transferring classes from public schools to private schools with spare capacity. Enkh-Amgalan also said 38 Ulaanbaatar schools enrolling more than 3,000 children would be reorganized and 44 others expanded with World Bank financing. He said the education-budget proposal exceeds the 5.6-trillion-togrog ceiling by 2.5 trillion togrog, citing enrollment, school organization and teacher pay rises.
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Health
Maternal Mortality Remains Twice as High Outside Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-08-04
Mongolia’s maternal mortality ratio was 19.2 per 100,000 live births in the first half of 2026, down 14.1 points from the same period last year, the Ministry of Health reported. Five maternal deaths were recorded while 25,753 women gave birth to 25,996 children. Compared with the first half of 2025, total births fell by 1,046 and live births by 1,005. The national improvement masks a substantial geographic gap: the maternal mortality ratio was 13.6 in Ulaanbaatar and 26.5 in the provinces, nearly twice the capital’s level. The ministry’s management council decided to improve the quality and availability of maternal and child health services, strengthen management of illnesses during pregnancy, improve early detection and treatment of sepsis and infections, and expand cross-sector efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy.
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Arts
COP17 Cultural Program Will Showcase Nomadic Heritage in Conference Zones and at Nalaikh Festival
Published: 2026-08-04
COP17, the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, is scheduled in Ulaanbaatar from August 17 to 28, with a 12-day cultural programme alongside negotiations. Blue Zone events are planned to include official opening and closing ceremonies and activities for international participants, while the Green Zone is to host broader performances, exhibitions and heritage activities. Organizers plan to take delegates to the Nomad World Culture Festival at Taij Khairkhan in Nalaikh District on August 21–23. A camel caravan linking COP16 and COP17 is scheduled to travel in rural areas August 8–15 before joining the Blue Zone opening on August 17. About 5,000 delegates are expected. About 40 of 85 hotels in the city’s A and B zones have agreements, and about 1,000 rooms are prepared. Preparations are reported 90% complete.
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