Politics
President Orders Probe into Possible Deliberate Fuel Shortage
Published: 2026-11-06
President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh met ministers and heads of law enforcement agencies on November 6 and instructed them to investigate whether anyone deliberately created the fuel shortage. Finance Minister Z.Mendsaikhan, Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G.Damdinnyam and Anti-Monopoly Authority head B.Amarsanaa attended. Khurelsukh said he agreed with Russian President Vladimir Putin on keeping petroleum product supplies stable, and that Russia continues deliveries despite its own difficulties. He directed officials to urgently check for organized efforts to disrupt distribution for narrow political or business aims and to improve distribution without upsetting citizens. Amarsanaa said the intelligence agency is working to establish organized actions related to fuel. The president also called for greater transparency, fair competition and reduced dependence and concentration in supply.
“Petroleum products, fuel are not a tool for a group of people to serve their political and economic interests.” - Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (eagle.mn)
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Parliament Takes Up 2027 Budget Bills in Fourth Discussion
Published: 2026-11-06
The State Great Khural’s Friday plenary session, scheduled to begin at 10:00 on November 6, placed the 2027 budget package on its agenda. Lawmakers were due to hold the fourth discussion of four bills: the 2027 State Budget Law and the 2027 budgets of the National Wealth Fund, the Social Insurance Fund and the Health Insurance Fund. The agenda also included the third discussion of amendments to the law on the 2027 consolidated budget framework statement and 2028–2029 budget projections, and the final discussion of an addition to the Law on Budget Stability. MPs were also scheduled to hold the first discussion of a resolution on measures to take once the 2027 budget law is adopted, and the final discussion of related bills and resolutions. The Government submitted all items on August 31, 2026.
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Parliament Blocks Speaker’s Bid to Relieve Financial Regulatory Commission Chair
Published: 2026-11-06
Parliament did not relieve Financial Regulatory Commission Chair T. Jambaajamts on November 6, after he submitted a resignation request on November 2. The Economic Standing Committee had backed the move earlier that day. Speaker S. Byambatsogt said he had told Jambaajamts six months earlier to lower loan rates, citing 60 percent on app-based loans, and saw no progress. Reports gave differing tallies: ikon.mn and itoim.mn cited a secret ballot with 54 of 94 members not in support, while news.mn and isee.mn cited 40 in favor and 15 against among 55 voters, with Byambatsogt blaming 39 absences. MP D. Tsogtbaatar alleged the move was tied to the commission’s stance on minority shareholders in Gobi.
“He submitted the application himself. Nobody was fired or replaced.” - S. Byambatsogt (itoim.mn)
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PM Uchral Reportedly Weighs Replacing Economic Development Minister Enkhbayar
Published: 2026-11-06
Reports say Prime Minister N.Uchral may replace Economic Development Minister J.Enkhbayar with lawmaker B.Choijilsuren. Itoim.mn reports Uchral wants a professional to lead the ministry after coal exports stalled and budget revenue fell. Coal exports through the Gashuunsukhait border crossing have been cut to 40 percent since August, and Oyu Tolgoi copper concentrate exports have been reduced by 70 percent since October 15. Uchral has said political misunderstanding lay behind the cuts. After meeting Choijilsuren in his office, Enkhbayar told reporters:
“We are office neighbors, so we often drop in on each other. Under the Constitution, the Prime Minister has the authority to appoint and dismiss cabinet ministers.” - J.Enkhbayar (itoim.mn)
Other reports say Enkhbayar could become Defense Minister.
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Published: 2026-11-06
The Independent Authority Against Corruption has charged former Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi chief executive N.Tserensambuu with abuse of power and position under Article 22.1, Part 3 of the Criminal Code, which carries up to 12 years in prison. A district court ordered him held for 30 days at the prosecutor’s request, with the hearing on October 30. Investigators say he may have favored a company chosen in the tender for a contractor for blasting work at the Tsankhi West mine; one report names Blans LLC. His lawyer’s appeal to the chief judge was rejected. Another report describes him as acting chief executive and former head of the company’s Procurement Department. Detention is a procedural step; a court has not determined guilt.
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Justice Minister Submits Bill to Protect Buyers of Unfinished Apartments From Housing Fraud
Published: 2026-11-06
Justice and Home Affairs Minister G. Temuulen submitted amendments to the Law on State Registration of Property Rights to State Great Khural Speaker S. Byambatsogt on Nov. 6. The bill targets housing fraud tied to sales of unfinished buildings, where rules on advance purchases are not detailed in law.
“Housing fraud crimes have recently been trending upward. The bill aims to let citizens verify information on apartment orders and protect them from risk.” - G. Temuulen (gogo.mn)
Each apartment and separately owned non-residential unit would receive a unique QR-code number when construction permission is issued, and buyers could register a preliminary notation of their future ownership rights. Byambatsogt said it is time for parliament to debate the bill, and that a separate online fraud bill is being prepared for government feedback.
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MPP Group Backs Halving Ulaanbaatar’s City Tax on Hotels, Restaurants and Auto Services
Published: 2026-11-06
The Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) group in the Ulaanbaatar Citizens’ Representatives Khural supported lowering the city tax on six service types from 2 percent to 1 percent, effective Jan. 1, 2027. The affected services are hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, car washes and auto services operating in the capital. The group also reviewed a budget revision covering civil servants’ pay raises, winter preparations and fuel price-related costs, as well as funding for some work that has been carried out but remains underfunded. It said plans include setting road-use fee rules in the 2027 budget and speeding up the Baganuur coal-chemical plant and the Selbe 20-Minute City project. The group discussed 17 issues at its regular meeting, and they will go to the Khural’s ninth regular session next Monday.
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Defense Minister Batlut Could Be Next to Leave Prime Minister Uchral’s Cabinet
Published: 2026-11-06
Prime Minister N. Uchral may move next against Defense Minister D. Batlut, isee.mn reported on November 6. It cited political talk that several ministers from the Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) “minority” could be removed. Justice and Home Affairs Minister S. Amarsaikhan has been replaced by G. Temuulen.
The outlet lists three criticisms. First, the May 19, 2025 death of a 19-year-old conscript at Military Construction Unit 339 in Bayankhongor; the Democratic Party (DP) caucus demanded Batlut’s dismissal, then postponed it until the 2026 budget amendment and 2027 budget are debated. Second, his remark that the state cannot fully feed its army, though the Defense Ministry budget rose from over 790 billion tugrik in 2025 to 1.082 trillion tugrik in 2026. Third, ceremonial welcomes during a Dornod visit. Former Prime Minister S. Bayar objected:
“This is wrong. It is arrogance that serves a personal ego through state instruments.” - S. Bayar (isee.mn)
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Reports Link Democratic Party to Possible Seats in Prime Minister Uchral’s Government
Published: 2026-11-06
Reports that the Democratic Party (DP) could join Prime Minister N. Uchral’s government have circulated recently, itoim.mn wrote on November 6. DP chair O. Tsogtgerel denies it, but the outlet says talks behind the scenes appear real.
It points to a Mongolian People’s Party (MPP) split lasting over a year, during which two prime ministers were dismissed and two parliament speakers released. Uchral’s government, formed with the MPP majority and minority, the HUN Party and the National Coalition, gave the MPP minority five ministerial seats and has served about seven months. Earlier coalitions under L. Oyun-Erdene (DP given eight seats, HUN two) lasted 11 months and under G. Zandanshatar nine months.
The outlet argues that bringing in the DP would stabilize the cabinet and share economic responsibility before elections, while joining before the presidential election would carry a political cost for the DP.
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Parliament Adopts Chinggis Khaan Heritage Resolution and Orders Draft Law on Portrait Use
Published: 2026-11-06
Parliament adopted a resolution on November 6 marking the 820th anniversary of the Great Mongol State and honoring Chinggis Khaan’s statehood legacy. Speaker S. Byambatsogt initiated it, and it takes effect November 10, Mongol Pride Day, when a ceremonial session is scheduled. The resolution directs the government to protect and restore historical sites, support research, publishing and the arts, and draft a tax exemption for related income. It also tells the government to regulate use of the khaan’s name, portrait and symbols, and to study a fund financed by a share of excise tax. Byambatsogt said more than 300 related artifacts and documents are held in 17 countries, including 80 in Taiwan, 62 in China and 53 in Japan; the government is to seek originals or copies. Members backed an amendment by L. Gantumur, with 73 percent support, directing a draft law banning his portrait on alcohol and tobacco packaging.
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Lawmakers Submit First Bill on Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Services
Published: 2026-11-06
Five lawmakers submitted the first draft Law on Barrier-Free Environment and Accessible Services to Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt on November 6, 2026. The sponsors are O. Saranchuluun, J. Bayasgalan, A. Ariunzaya, D. Ganmaa and S. Erdenebat, with 33 named members of parliament submitting the bill. Saranchuluun said the bill followed four years of discussion with the Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Protection and disability groups, plus government feedback. It has nine chapters and 27 articles covering buildings, roads, public transport, information technology and communications. It applies to people with disabilities, older people, pregnant women, parents of children aged 0-3, caregivers and people temporarily unable to work. Bayasgalan said it affects more than 70,000 people with disabilities and was discussed in 21 aimags. Sponsors say it would clarify agency responsibilities and remove overlap.
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Governor Dismissals Spread Across Districts and Provinces Ahead of 2027 Presidential Race
Published: 2026-11-06
Governors are being replaced in Ulaanbaatar districts and provinces as budget season begins. On November 2, councils in Chingeltei and Songinokhairkhan districts dismissed governors N. Mandul and Ts. Battur after the capital’s MPP (Mongolian People’s Party) committee issued direction, and backed Z. Tumurtumur and D. Undarmaa as successors. On November 4, the Uvs provincial council voted to dismiss Governor E. Nasanbat, with 62.8 percent of its 35 representatives in favor. The DP (Democratic Party) group proposed it, citing an allegedly forged diploma; the prime minister decides whether to formalize it. In Bulgan, the DP group demands Governor D. Purevochir’s removal, arguing he lacks the three years of civil service the law requires. Some observers link the changes to preparations for the 2027 presidential election.
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Economy
Fuel Task Force Rejects Claims of Engineered Shortage, Citing Seasonal Diesel Rail Backlog
Published: 2026-11-06
Deputy Industry and Mineral Resources Minister B.Munkhtamir said at a November 6 fuel task force briefing that the wagon backlog at Ulaanbaatar Railway was not artificially created. Most waiting wagons carry diesel as mines and transport firms switch to winter fuel. A two-day halt in Euro-92 gasoline transport, tied to Russian rail scheduling, contributed to fuel station queues; 51 wagons of Euro-92 arrived from China via Zamyn-Uud. Confirmed November orders total about 93,000 tonnes, and 218 wagons from Russia, roughly six days of consumption, are en route. Annual petroleum consumption has risen from 1.7 million to 3.1 million tonnes in four years. Inspections found no cases of regular AI-92 sold as Euro-92.
“We are grateful that Russia, despite its domestic difficulties and war, has not cut off fuel. But it cannot fully meet Mongolia’s total consumption.” - B.Munkhtamir (ikon.mn)
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Argal Oil Plans South Korean Gasoline Imports From Mid-November at Up to 5,600 Tugrik per Litre
Published: 2026-11-06
Argal Oil LLC chief executive D.Sansartuya told the fuel task force briefing that the company signed a contract last month to import 10,000–12,000 tonnes of gasoline from South Korea. The fuel has been delivered by sea to China’s Qinhuangdao port and will move by rail through the Zamyn-Uud border crossing, with supply expected to begin in mid-November. Argal Oil branches and branches of partner Magnai Trade LLC in the central and western provinces will distribute it. Prices vary by import source: AI-92 from China costs 5,600 tugrik per litre, while Russian fuel costs 4,900. The Korean gasoline price is expected to be set between the two.
“In other words, we calculate the price at more than 4,900 tugrik per litre but not exceeding 5,600.” - D.Sansartuya (gogo.mn)
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Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi Signs Cooperation Memoranda With China Energy International Development and Norinco
Published: 2026-11-06
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi signed cooperation memoranda with two Chinese companies, China Energy International Development LLC and Norinco. After talks on expanding cooperation and raising exports, the first agreement commits the parties to develop deep coal processing and coal-chemical production, train mining and engineering specialists, and support local development. It aims to move beyond exporting raw coal toward value-added products. Under the Norinco memorandum, the parties will cooperate on infrastructure, production, and transport and logistics, and create opportunities to train students and young people. Norinco will also help ensure reliable diesel supply for Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi and its contractors, introduce environmentally friendly, energy-saving technologies, and support local development.
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Oyu Tolgoi Dividend Debate Reaches Parliament as DP Chair Demands Rio Tinto Deal Details
Published: 2026-11-06
Debate over a 3 trillion tugrik Oyu Tolgoi dividend, or 857,000 tugrik per citizen, has reached parliament. Per urug.mn, the government dropped plans to spend it on energy projects after a public poll and chose the Savings Fund, while the President favors transfers to citizens’ accounts. Oyu Tolgoi LLC chief executive S.Munkhsukh has said the company cannot pay dividends without making sales. Urug.mn’s commentary says the sides are working on principle, timing and method. Deputy Finance Minister B.Khulan said:
“The investor side signed to confirm the dividend issue. This is not just talk; it is a negotiation at the professional level.” - B.Khulan (urug.mn)
Democratic Party (DP) chair O.Tsogtgerel questioned whether the sum is a genuine dividend and claimed the DP stopped plans to spend it on “corrupted” projects.
“Government, make public the agreement you reached with the Rio Tinto group.” - O.Tsogtgerel (unuudur.mn)
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Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi Sells 896,000 Tonnes of Coal for $97.7 Million in Nine Exchange Trades
Published: 2026-11-06
Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi JSC sold 896,000 tonnes of coal worth $97.7 million in nine trades on the Mongolian Stock Exchange during Sept. 7–11, according to a Peak News report. Medium-volatile coking coal accounted for five trades totaling 256,000 tonnes, with prices rising as much as 6.9 percent, from $187.5 to $200.5, in a 64,000-tonne trade. Energy coal (bituminous, non-caking) made up four trades totaling 640,000 tonnes. Its largest increase was 21.5 percent, from $69.7 to $84.7, in a 128,000-tonne trade with six participants. Three trades closed with no price change. So far in 2026, the company has sold 15.9 million tonnes of coal worth $1.5 billion in 246 trades.
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Tourism Association Plans Celebration for 2026’s One Millionth Visitor
Published: 2026-11-06
The Tourism Professional Association says the country is nearing one million visitors in a single year for the first time and plans a celebration for the one millionth tourist of 2026. The government declared 2023-2028 the “Visit Mongolia Year” period and set a target of one million tourists annually to develop tourism as a priority economic sector. The association reports 932,000 arrivals since the start of 2026. Assuming an average of 2,500-3,000 tourists a day, it estimates the target could be reached in about a month. Under the slogan “Let’s Create a Historic Moment Together,” the association is preparing the welcome event and has urged other businesses and organizations in the sector to join. Some critics argue that sector-wide celebrations would burden companies and organizations, while others caution that measuring tourism development and returns by visitor numbers alone is too narrow.
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Salkhit East Gold Deposit Mining Planned to Begin in April 2027
Published: 2026-11-06
Erdenes Gold Resource LLC plans to start mining the Salkhit East gold deposit in April 2027. Under its approved feasibility study and 2027 mining plan, soil stripping would begin in March 2027, followed by ore extraction in April. The company has asked Chinggis Khaan Wealth Fund Consortium LLC to decide, based on economic efficiency calculations and within legal procedures, on the loan financing needed to start the project. At the Salkhit silver-gold main deposit, open-pit reserves have been fully mined and processed. Processing is now under way for 386.2 thousand tonnes of ore from the secondary deposit, which has 1.05 million tonnes of remaining reserves. Chief Executive Officer B. Davaadalai of Chinggis Khaan Wealth Fund Consortium LLC met Erdenes Gold Resource management to discuss preparations for developing Salkhit East.
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Researcher Flags Planning and Costing Gaps in 2027 Budget’s 318 New Projects
Published: 2026-11-06
Researcher D. Lkhamsuren analyzed the 318 new projects in the draft 2027 state budget for the Open Society Forum and found planning and costing gaps. The plan assigned 1.96 trillion tugrik of Oyu Tolgoi dividends to 51 projects before any authorized body had decided on distribution; the government has since withdrawn the related bill. The National Audit Office found that 76 of 282 construction and major repair projects lack approved designs. Identical 640-pupil schools were budgeted at 8.6 billion to 23 billion tugrik, a 2.7-fold gap, and 180 of 218 state-funded construction projects have first-year funding below the legal minimum. New projects take 56 percent of 2027 investment.
“Unless they are of high socio-economic importance and urgently needed, starting too many new projects at once is harmful to the economy.” - D. Lkhamsuren (unuudur.mn)
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Infrastructure
Tavantolgoi LLC Plans Twice-Monthly Fuel Allocations and Dedicated Fire Starters
Published: 2026-11-06
Tavantolgoi LLC CEO S. Davaasuren outlined winter plans for compressed fuel imported from China for the capital’s households. Households currently receive seven bags weekly; from next month the company plans to issue a 14-day supply twice a month. It cannot raise the weekly amount to 10 bags because households have grown by 10,000 beyond the 172,000 planned for. Supply depends on rail transport. The capital has 448 sales points, and the Hotula app shows where stock is available. A national air pollution committee tasked the company in May with studying dedicated fire starters to replace wood, and Davaasuren expects to supply them by mid-December.
“The Prime Minister directed that heating and electricity prices not rise this year, so fuel prices will not rise this winter.” - S. Davaasuren (news.mn)
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Nine Companies Seek to Partner on 30 MW Baydrag Hydropower Plant as Bidding Nears Close
Published: 2026-11-06
Nine companies have applied to take part in selecting a private partner for the 30 MW Baydrag hydropower plant, and bids will be accepted until 15:00 on Nov. 12. The government decided on May 20, 2026, to deliver the project under the Public-Private Partnership Law. The plant is planned at Suudert gorge on the border of Bombogor and Buutsagaan soums in Bayankhongor Province, with expected output of 58.9 million kWh a year. The design-build-operate-transfer project would run 29.4 years, including 53 months of construction and 25 years of operation, at a preliminary cost of $53.3 million. Some Bayankhongor soums now import power from Russia. Officials say it would add renewable supply to the central grid and create 50–60 permanent jobs.
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Ulaanbaatar Starts Truck Inspections as Only 3 of 72 Checked Vehicles Held Route Sheets
Published: 2026-11-06
Ulaanbaatar’s NTBG has launched unscheduled inspections of cargo transport companies operating in the capital, working with the Capital City Road Development Department and using mobile weighing equipment. The checks respond to citizen complaints about large trucks and to the October 15 to November 15 period each year, when roads begin to freeze and are most vulnerable. Overloading contributes to road damage.
Of 72 vehicles checked, only three had obtained route sheets. Trucks working in the city receive E and C temporary route sheets, which allow them to operate at set times and on designated routes. Entering restricted zones without one is punishable under Article 14.7, part 57 of the Law on Offences: a fine equal to 20 units in tugrik for individuals and 200 units for legal entities.
Senior specialist Ts. Byambasuren urged compliance:
“I call on drivers to obtain route sheets and not to load more than the 44-ton maximum per vehicle.” - Ts. Byambasuren (ikon.mn)
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Cable Car Project Starts Week-Long Load Test With 750 kg of Sand in 98 Cabins
Published: 2026-11-06
The cable car project has begun a load test, placing 750 kg of sand in each of 98 cabins. Each cabin holds 30 bags of 25 kg, weighed on scales certified by the Standardization and Metrology Agency. The test runs for a week, and independent inspector Bureau Veritas will check the system’s control, integrity and engineering safety, along with design, standards compliance, materials and workmanship, and identify operational risks.
Project line network engineer M. Gersenz explained the aim:
“Based on this, we aim to determine how the system should operate under normal conditions.” - M. Gersenz (ikon.mn)
Crews also installed over 100 sensors of more than 40 types at Yarmag-Artsat station and over 80 at Kharkhorin station. Sensor and system checks will take more than 10 days, followed by a state commission. Construction at Yarmag, Artsat and Kharkhorin stations is 85-89 percent complete.
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Society
Capital Launches First Specialized Family and Children’s Court
Published: 2026-11-06
The capital’s first specialized family and children’s court has begun operating under a law parliament adopted on July 3 and that took effect November 2. It has 12 first-instance judges, plus 5 on a separate appeals court. It handles divorce, custody, child support and shared-property disputes in eight districts, all except Baganuur, along with crimes and offenses committed by minors. Marriage dissolutions rose from 3,790 in 2022 to 4,270 in 2025. Chief Judge N. Odontuul said the court received over 50 family claims in two days, and distance deters residents of outlying districts such as Bagakhangai. It operates from a former district civil court building.
“Of course, this building does not meet the standard of a specialized family and children’s court or international benchmarks.” - N. Odontuul (itoim.mn)
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Fraud Accounts for 34% of Crimes in 10 Months, Costing Victims 531.9 Billion Tugrik
Published: 2026-11-06
Fraud made up 34 percent of all crimes nationwide in the first 10 months of this year, with 15,628 cases and 531.9 billion tugrik in losses, police said. Investigators detected 53.7 percent of registered cases and resolved 12,851, or 82.2 percent, recovering 218.7 billion tugrik. Online fraud accounted for 11,939 cases, or 76.4 percent. Police are investigating five people in two groups over fake online gold sales that targeted more than 200 people, and cheap-goods ads that took 18.9 billion tugrik from 312 people. National Police Agency investigation chief Col. N.Mishigdorj urged caution.
“Do not be fooled by offers promising high profit in a short time, and never transfer an advance payment under any circumstances.” - N.Mishigdorj (unuudur.mn)
Victims should call 102 or 5126-5666.
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Transport Minister Says Tanker in Indonesian Ketamine Seizure Falsely Flew Mongolian Flag
Published: 2026-11-06
Transport Minister B. Delgersaikhan said on November 6 that the tanker linked to a ketamine seizure in Indonesia was not a Mongolian vessel but a ship that falsely used Mongolia’s flag. International media reported that Indonesian authorities found 1.16 tonnes of ketamine, packed in 58 sacks, aboard the oil tanker MT Global 168 in waters near North Sumatra province in October and detained eight crew members. Indonesia’s National Police said the vessel was sailing under the Mongolian flag. The police estimated the market value of the drugs at 3.48 trillion rupiah, about 192.6 million US dollars. The minister’s explanation followed the international reports that described the ship as Mongolian-flagged.
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New 960-Seat Public School in Khan-Uul District to Open to Pupils November 9
Published: 2026-11-06
A new public school with 960 seats in Khan-Uul District’s 4th khoroo (subdistrict) is ready to receive pupils from Monday, November 9. L. Khosbayar, coordinator of the Capital City Road Project and Program Intensification Project, announced the opening and urged registration.
“Children living in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 23rd and 24th khoroos can attend this school. Parents and guardians, please register your children.” - L. Khosbayar (ikon.mn)
The school grounds include a 3x3 basketball court, a football field, a running track, green space, and pedestrian and vehicle roads. Construction was budgeted at 11.9 billion tugriks from the capital city budget for 2022-2026, a four-year period, and was carried out by IDC Properties LLC and Tamga-Uul LLC.
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Online Petition Seeks 12-Year License Ban for Drunk Driving
Published: 2026-11-06
A petition calling for tougher penalties for drunk driving began collecting signatures online on November 6. It proposes extending the driving-license suspension for drunk driving to 12 years. Under Article 27.10 of the Criminal Code, drunk driving that harms a person’s health or life is treated as a negligent crime, with intoxication considered only a qualifying element. Where no harm results, the license is suspended for just one year, which the petition says does little to prevent repeat offenses. The petitioners argue that getting behind the wheel while intoxicated is itself intentional, while the consequences arise through negligence, which they say fits the “mixed form of guilt” described in Article 2.4 of the Criminal Code. They want the act classified as a standalone serious crime, with a 12-year license revocation even when no harm occurs.
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Governors Report Annually on Human Rights Under Three-Year-Old Local Review System
Published: 2026-11-06
Since 2023, provincial and district governors have reported annually on local human rights, answering a majority-civil-society working group that scores them from 1 to 10 on ten criteria. Adopted on March 24, 2023, the procedure applies the UN Universal Periodic Review model locally. Reporting units rose from 22 to 30 in the 2024 cycle as nine Ulaanbaatar districts began reporting separately. NGO parallel reports grew from none in 2022 to 11. Average provincial scores were 5.89 in 2022, 5.07 in 2023 and 5.96 in 2024. Accessibility, discrimination and participation scored lowest. Dornogovi and Uvurkhangai led the 2024 provincial rankings at 7.19. The committee that oversaw the system was dissolved in August 2024, and its duties moved to the National Productivity Committee; Paraguay raised concern about the change at the 2025 UN review.
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Environment
Ulaanbaatar Adds Three Air Quality Stations as Pollution Exceeds Standards at Some Sites
Published: 2026-11-06
Ulaanbaatar added three automatic air quality monitoring stations in 2026, bringing the capital’s network to 22 locations. The stations stand in Shine 100 Ail in Bayanzurkh District, at the end of III and IV khoroolol in Bayangol District, and near 5 Shar in Songinokhairkhan District. Each measures sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, PM10, PM2.5, carbon monoxide and ozone, and residents can check readings on the updated agaar.gov.mn website. Measurements on November 3 showed PM10 at 52–242 µg/m³, PM2.5 at 10–75 µg/m³, sulfur dioxide at 8–80 µg/m³ and nitrogen dioxide at 13–82 µg/m³, with some locations up to 2.4 times above the standard. The Agency for Meteorology and Environmental Monitoring reported PM10 at 2.4 times the standard near Khailaast. During periods of heavy air pollution, it is advised that young children, older adults and people with respiratory illness not be kept outdoors for long.
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Winter Outlook Forecasts Heavy Snow in Eastern Provinces From December to February
Published: 2026-11-06
Meteorologists have issued an outlook for December through February, compared against the 1991-2020 long-term average for each month. December is forecast to be cold in the northern, central and eastern parts of the country, with heavy snow in eastern, central and Gobi provinces. January is forecast to be warm in the west and north, with heavy snow in northern and eastern provinces. February is forecast to be warm across most of the country, with heavy snow in central and eastern provinces. Eastern provinces are therefore listed for heavy snow in all three months. The published guide lets readers search by province and scroll through comparison maps showing the long-term average and the expected conditions for each month.
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Published: 2026-11-06
The General Authority for Veterinary Services has arranged the purchase of 3.6 million foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses for the third stage of this autumn’s immunization. The stage targets cattle in the Khangai and Gobi regions. Vaccine delivery to provincial and local veterinary bodies was being prepared for Nov. 5, and vaccination is scheduled for Nov. 8 to Dec. 1. Agency head H. Altangerel said the 2026 program covers 19 infectious diseases and is more than 90 percent complete, but foot-and-mouth and goat pox outbreaks raised costs. The budget revision covers 30.8 billion tugrik in extra 2026 funding, and the agency will settle that and its 2025 debts by Nov. 15. Of 17.3 billion tugrik owed from 2025, 10.1 billion has been paid. Another 1.5 billion tugrik backs domestic vaccine production, with 80 percent of production costs transferred to state-owned Biokombinat.
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China and Japan Join Talks on Restoring Nomrog Reserve After Fire
Published: 2026-11-06
Officials held separate talks with Chinese and Japanese diplomats on restoring Nomrog Strict Protected Area in Dornod Province’s Khalkh Gol soum after a forest and steppe fire.
Environment and Climate Change Ministry State Secretary Sh. Batbayar met Chinese embassy chargé d’affaires Cao Li. Proposals included applying Chinese methods, joint research, long-term monitoring and expert involvement, with Batbayar urging comparison of burned and unburned areas. They also discussed a joint desertification research center and early warning for human-wildlife conflict as brown bears enter settlements more often.
On November 6, Minister Ts. Sandag-Ochir met Japanese Ambassador Igawahara Masaru, who pledged full support for ecosystem recovery. Sandag-Ochir said the cabinet discusses the fire at every meeting. After the fire was raised at October’s UN biodiversity conference in Armenia, meetings with Russian, Chinese and Czech delegations produced agreement on scientific support. Law enforcement is investigating the cause.
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Innovation
Winter Mongolian Language Exam Set for December 19, With Registration Closing November 23
Published: 2026-11-06
The Educational Evaluation Center announced that the winter 2026 Mongolian language and writing exam will take place on December 19.
Candidates must register online at eyesh.eec.mn by 18:00 on November 23, 2026. The center said the registration period will not be extended and no additional registration will be held, so late applicants will not be accepted. Registrants should click the “New Registration” section of the website and follow the instructions provided.
The announcement was published on November 6, leaving 17 days before the registration deadline. The exam itself falls 26 days after registration closes. Several outlets, including ikon.mn, eagle.mn, isee.mn and zarig.mn, carried the same notice.
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Health
Ulaanbaatar Hospitals Extend Hours From November 7 as Flu Cases Rise
Published: 2026-11-06
Some health facilities in Ulaanbaatar begin operating extended hours on November 7 because of rising influenza and flu-like illness. Under the schedule from the Capital City Health Department, designated hospitals will stay open until 20:00 Monday to Friday, from 11:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays and Sundays, and until 16:00 on public holidays. The department divided the sub-districts (khoroo) of the city’s nine districts into zones and published a list of hospitals serving each zone. Surveillance over the past three years shows national flu outbreaks peak during the week of November 19–24. Ambulance calls in the capital reached 2,249, up 56.72% from the same period last year, while 877 children are hospitalized in city health facilities, up 14.79% from 764 a year earlier. The schedule forms part of winter 2026–2027 preparedness.
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Heating Season Prompts Call for Households to Admit Carbon Monoxide Inspectors
Published: 2026-11-06
As the heating season begins, the Fuel Consumers Service Center is urging households to admit inspectors to check stoves and chimneys for carbon monoxide risk. Household stove engineer B.Bagakhuu said households flagged for carbon monoxide risk often refuse to open the door to inspectors. More than 500 staff wear marked clothing and carry staff ID.
“We urge households to let inspectors into their homes and have the stove, chimney and other necessary checks carried out.” - B.Bagakhuu (ikon.mn)
Residents should keep detectors running, avoid closing the chimney damper while burning fuel, and keep registered phone numbers active; changes can be reported on 70119410. If an alarm sounds, everyone should open windows and doors and leave. Carbon monoxide poisonings numbered 3,184 in 2023, 2,830 in 2024 and 2,267 in 2025; deaths 63, 53 and 30. Its operating costs this year are 8.2 billion tugrik from the capital’s budget.
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Billions Spent on Carbon Monoxide Sensors, Yet Poisoning Deaths Persist in Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-11-06
Authorities have repeatedly bought carbon monoxide sensors for households, yet poisoning deaths continue, according to a news.mn analysis. A government decision on Oct. 9, 2019, provided free devices to ger-district households in six city districts; about 3.5 billion tugrik was spent to equip roughly 170,000 households. In 2022, 2.2 billion tugrik funded sensors for 7,626 households in Nalaikh and more than 6,600 in six provinces. Deputy Mayor A. Amartuvshin said in 2025 that the city would buy 51,000 smart sensors at 150,000 tugrik each, which the article estimates at about 7.6 billion tugrik. The Capital City Procurement Agency tendered 9.1 billion tugrik for remote-transmitting sensors in July 2025, and Intelligent Technology LLC won. Health Ministry data show 2,662 people poisoned and 47 dead in 2024. Estimates of total deaths differ widely, from 163 for 2009–2025 to 794 for 2017 to January 2025.
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