Politics
Parliament Weighs Special Session on 2026 Budget Amendment
Published: 2026-08-26
Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt said the Speaker’s Council will meet on September 1 to decide whether to convene a special session and set its date. He supports calling the session to consider the government’s proposed amendment to the 2026 budget, which the DP (Democratic Party) has urged parliament to address promptly after citing a MNT 2.1 trillion budget deficit. Before scheduling the session, the proposal must be checked for consistency with other budget laws and reviewed by the National Audit Office and the Fiscal Stability Council. The government proposal includes MNT 1.4 trillion in savings from ministers’ current-expenditure budgets, with funds proposed for wage increases for health, education and public-service-sector workers from November 1, repairs and equipment upgrades at power and heating plants, and fuel reserves. The MPP (Mongolian People’s Party) parliamentary group also discussed the amendment and the 2027 budget on August 25.
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Three Citizens Detained in Foreign Intelligence Investigation
Published: 2026-08-26
Mongolian intelligence officers have detained three citizens on suspicion of illegally cooperating with a foreign intelligence service, special service or individual. The three people, identified by initials as U.E, D.Ch and N.N, are being held at Detention Center No. 461, according to the report. Prosecutors confirmed that three people were placed in pretrial detention this month and that an investigation has been opened under Article 19.4 of the Criminal Code, which covers unlawful cooperation with foreign intelligence services, organizations or citizens. The case is being investigated by the intelligence authorities. Prosecutors said they could not provide further information because the investigation began recently and cases under the intelligence agency’s jurisdiction are legally classified.
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Petition Against Higher Local-Road Fee Reaches Working-Group Threshold
Published: 2026-08-26
A public petition seeking cancellation of the MNT 10,000 local-road fee has collected 33,011 signatures, reaching the threshold for a working group to be established. A July 1, 2026 government resolution revised charges for using national and international roads, with the new rates taking effect on August 1. Passenger-car fees rose from MNT 1,000 to MNT 5,000, while freight-vehicle charges increased from MNT 10,000 to MNT 20,000. E. Batbayar began gathering electronic signatures through the public petition system on July 28, saying the Ministry of Road and Transport Development’s increase of the local-road fee to MNT 10,000 should be cancelled. Under the Law on Parliament, 33,000 signatures support forming a working group, while 100,000 are needed for parliamentary consideration.
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Prime Minister Asked to Account for Tuul Expressway Funding and Contracts
Published: 2026-08-26
Parliament member B. Jargalan has submitted an inquiry to Prime Minister N. Uchral seeking information on financing, environmental risks, contracts and the legal basis for the Tuul Expressway project. The inquiry says MNT 500 billion in advance funding was provided from the state budget: MNT 401 billion in 2025 and MNT 99 billion in 2026. It asks who would be liable for environmental damage, including the removal of trees, shrubs and bushes along the Tuul River, and whether the advance payment can be recovered. Jargalan also questioned a MNT 2.3 trillion contract signed on August 5, 2025 with China’s Hao Yuan and Tianjin Oubaiwei, citing an audit conclusion that identified inconsistencies in tender timing, pricing and FIDIC terms.
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Published: 2026-08-26
A group of parliament members has submitted a draft law to regulate children’s participation on social networks. The six-chapter, 20-article proposal would prevent children under 13 from using or creating accounts on social-media platforms. It would not impose a full ban on users aged 13 to 16, but would require parental controls, default privacy and location safeguards, harmful-content filters, limits on contact with strangers and livestreaming, and reporting tools. Platforms would need age-verification systems and would have to delete verification data immediately rather than share it with third parties. The bill also proposes fines of 500 units for individuals and 5,000 units for legal entities that create accounts for children below the age threshold. Schools, parents, telecommunications providers and state agencies would have defined responsibilities.
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Economy
Government Seeks More Fuel Imports as AI-92 Shortages Persist
Published: 2026-08-26
Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinyam said Mongolia is increasing fuel imports and deliveries as shortages continue in some areas. He said 14,000 tonnes of Euro 5 AI-92 had arrived since last week and was distributed through filling stations, while Rosneft had delivered its contracted 50,000 tonnes of regular AI-92 for the month. Mongolia uses about 75,000 tonnes of AI-92 monthly, with 50,000 tonnes supplied from Russia; the remaining 25,000 tonnes are being sourced in smaller volumes from China, South Korea and Singapore. The minister said regular gasoline is produced only in Russia, while alternative supplies are Euro 5 fuel, which is more expensive. Deliveries to provinces have increased over the previous four days, but reaching more than 330 soums takes time. The government aims to expand fuel-storage capacity from 30 to 45 days.
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Government Ends Offtake Deals and Expands Coal Exchange Trading
Published: 2026-08-26
The government approved measures to strengthen mineral-products exchange trading, saying it will no longer make offtake agreements and will sell coal through open, competitive auctions. The resolution allows compliant mineral products to be bundled in two or more types in a single trading order. It also permits index-priced forward contracts for up to five years and changes the treatment of buyer deposits: 90 percent will be returned once a contract is signed, with the remaining 10 percent released after contractual obligations are assessed. The measures respond to limited product variety, restrictions on long-term deals and cash-flow pressure created when deposits remain frozen. Erdenes Tavan Tolgoi traded 10.65 million tonnes of coal worth USD 940.4 million in 195 exchange transactions during the first seven months of 2026.
“Our government will not make any type of offtake agreement.” - Prime Minister N. Uchral (gogo.mn)
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Fuel-Station Manager Fined for Bypassing Queues
Published: 2026-08-26
The Anti-Monopoly Agency fined a manager at a Tes Petroleum LLC branch MNT 2 million after finding that the manager took fuel payments into a personal account and gave several customers fuel without observing the queue. The agency classified the conduct as an illegal trading practice that harmed consumers. The action forms part of inspections ordered through the Prime Minister’s emergency fuel task force to prevent unjustified retail-price increases and artificial shortages. Inspectors also found that seven Sodomongol Group LLC stations had some AI-92 petrol in stock but were not selling it to customers for unspecified reasons, while some stations were closed. The agency is continuing to investigate whether this created an artificial shortage. Separately, it opened a case after receiving a complaint that an Orgikh Tsogt Undarga LLC station in Chuluut soum, Arkhangai province, was selling AI-92 at MNT 4,500 per liter.
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Two Investors Remain in Competition for Darkhan Steel Complex
Published: 2026-08-26
The government has authorized the next selection stage for an integrated steel-production complex planned in Darkhan-Uul Province, with two investors remaining from five initial bids. Invitations for international investment proposals were open from April 10 to May 11 after being sent to 30 leading steel and metallurgy companies in Sweden, China, South Korea and the United States. The shortlisted investors will now be assessed on their project plans, investment options and business-partnership proposals. Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinyam said the final selection will be presented to the government by October, followed by contract negotiations. The designated construction site has already been reserved for state use. Investors will be required to build capacity for one million tonnes of steel annually, serve domestic demand, produce export-quality steel, employ local companies and train workers.
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Government Studies Coal-to-Fuel Plant Proposal with China Energy
Published: 2026-08-26
Industry and Mineral Resources Minister G. Damdinyam met Zhang Da Yue, chief executive of Altan Gadas, Onch Tolgoi, Energy LLC, a subsidiary of China Energy, to discuss introducing coal-liquefaction technology in Mongolia. The minister proposed preparing and presenting a new feasibility study on the conditions for establishing a coal-to-fuel plant. Company representatives supported the proposal and agreed to develop research and calculations for the project before reporting back. The discussion drew on China Energy’s Shenhua Ordos coal-liquefaction plant, which processes 10,000 tonnes of coal a day and produces 1 million tonnes of fuel annually. The ministry said Mongolia could examine a potential domestic fuel source based on its substantial coal reserves. The proposal calls for further study of the plant’s feasibility and operating conditions in Mongolia.
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XacBank Secures $40 Million for Green Projects, Women-Led Firms and SMEs
Published: 2026-08-26
XacBank signed an agreement at COP17 to receive $40 million in financing from Proparco, the development-finance institution affiliated with the French Development Agency. XacBank Chief Executive G. Tsevgegjav and Proparco Deputy Director for Latin America and Asia Paulina Gonzalez signed the agreement. The longer-term funding is intended to expand investment and business-growth financing. Thirty percent is allocated to climate-change mitigation and environmentally friendly production, including energy-efficient technology, green buildings, renewable energy and low-carbon transport. Forty percent will support women-led businesses, while the remaining 30% will provide long-term finance for small and medium-sized enterprises to expand operations and upgrade equipment. XacBank has offered preferential loans for women entrepreneurs since 2017 and began providing unsecured loans of up to MNT 50 million in 2023.
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Diplomacy
US Pauses Visa Interview Scheduling Worldwide for Training
Published: 2026-08-26
The United States has temporarily paused visa interview scheduling at embassies and consulates worldwide while it introduces a global training program for consular staff, according to a State Department spokesperson. The department has not said how long the training or scheduling changes will last. The program is intended to help officers identify applicants considered likely to rely on US public benefits and to evaluate every applicant comprehensively and consistently. Financial Times reported that some immigrant-visa applicants with existing appointments received emails moving their interviews to later dates, with replacement dates to be announced. The move follows the Trump administration’s wider tightening of immigration controls, although a US judge recently struck down its suspension of immigrant visas for nationals of 75 countries.
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Finance Minister Discusses Planned ADB Projects With Vice President Morris
Published: 2026-08-26
Finance Minister Z. Mendsaikhan met Asian Development Bank Vice President Scott Morris on August 26 to discuss projects Mongolia plans to implement with the bank. Morris is visiting Mongolia to attend the 17th Conference of the Parties to the UN Convention to Combat Desertification. The officials exchanged views on proposals to build schools, kindergartens and hospitals in priority locations and to supply equipment to emergency-response agencies. Mongolia will chair the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation ministerial meeting in Ulaanbaatar from September 28 to October 2, 2026. ADB President Masato Kanda is planned to visit Mongolia. During the visit, Mongolia and the ADB plan to discuss cooperation and strategic priorities and sign documents for projects and programs planned for future implementation.
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Infrastructure
Construction Near Bogd Mountain Fault Hinders Earthquake Research
Published: 2026-08-26
Researchers say housing developments near a key study site on Bogd Mountain are obstructing further investigation of an active fault that crosses Ulaanbaatar. Mongolian and Japanese scientists identified the approximately 50-kilometer Ulaanbaatar fault in 2018, running from the northeastern foothills of Bogd Khan Mountain through central districts toward Bayankhoshuu. Earlier research found geological evidence that the fault is active and could produce an earthquake exceeding magnitude 7. The affected study area is near Sky Resort and Asem Villa in the Khurkhree Valley of Bayanzurkh District’s 11th khoroo. Scientists say detailed fault mapping is needed to establish safety buffers, guide the placement of roads, bridges, power facilities and reservoirs, set building-resilience standards, and prepare emergency plans. The report says residential construction has limited access to research locations in the protected mountain area.
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New Directors Appointed for Ulaanbaatar Metro and Tram Projects
Published: 2026-08-26
Ulaanbaatar has appointed B. Sodbaatar to lead the metro project and B. Dechinnymbuu to lead the tram project after a court suspended former director T. Munkhdalai from performing his duties for six months. Munkhdalai had overseen both projects and is being investigated in a case involving alleged abuse of office, bribery and money laundering connected to preliminary feasibility and design work for the New Ring Road project. B. Sodbaatar previously headed the Project Support Management Division at the Capital City Transport Authority and worked as chief engineer on the tram project. B. Dechinnymbuu previously advised parliamentarian Kh. Bulgantuyaa and has served on the board of the Social Democratic Mongolian Youth Union affiliated with the MPP. The appointments were made before COP17.
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Appeals Court to Hear Challenge to Tuul Expressway Suspension
Published: 2026-08-26
The Administrative Appeals Court is scheduled to hear Hao Yuan Group’s complaint on August 27 against a decision temporarily suspending the Tuul Expressway project. Lawyer Ts. Batbold filed a case seeking to invalidate the Capital Citizens’ Representatives Khural decision that authorized the project, arguing it was approved unlawfully and should not proceed. An administrative case was opened on April 27, 2026. After eight postponements, the preliminary hearing took place on July 22, when the court ordered the project paused until the case receives a final ruling. Hao Yuan Group, selected as the project’s contractor, appealed that interim decision. The upcoming hearing concerns the suspension order rather than a final determination on the legality of the expressway project.
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City and UK Export Finance Discuss Metro Loan-Guarantee Terms
Published: 2026-08-26
Ulaanbaatar Mayor B. Purevdavaa met representatives of UK Export Finance during COP17 to discuss potential loan guarantees for the Ulaanbaatar Metro project. The talks covered whether the benchmark calculation for guarantee fees could be applied more flexibly, the cost and payment structure of those fees, and whether the required share of goods, products and services sourced from the United Kingdom could be reduced. Ulaanbaatar and UK Export Finance signed a memorandum in 2025 on cooperation for potential infrastructure projects, particularly public transport and the metro, through the supply of British goods and services. City officials said preparatory work is continuing in stages, including updates to the feasibility study, design and budget estimates, environmental and social impact assessments, workforce preparation and public participation.
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Ulaanbaatar Cable Car Line Plans December Passenger Service
Published: 2026-08-26
Ulaanbaatar’s 4.2-kilometer cable car line between Yarmag’s Artsat station and the Unur residential district is about 80% complete, project engineer M. Gersenz said. Nineteen steel towers and the main cable have been installed, while interior work continues at both stations. All 98 cabins have arrived and are stored; 98 cabins will be installed, and main system testing is planned for September. Testing will run through multiple stages over two months, including loaded, empty and parallel cabin runs, and is expected to conclude in November. A French inspection commission will then inspect the system, followed by Mongolia’s state technical commission. Passenger service is planned for December. Each 10-person cabin has a 750-kilogram capacity, and the system is designed to carry 2,320 people an hour on a 10-to-12-minute trip.
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Society
Police Detain Five Over Fake Banking Apps and Online Fraud
Published: 2026-08-26
Police have detained four Mongolian nationals and one foreign national suspected of using imitation banking applications and social-media promotions to gain access to customers’ accounts. The Cyber Crime Unit of the National Police Agency said the group advertised purported Khan Bank 35th-anniversary rewards and surveys connected to other commercial banks. Victims who followed the links were directed to pages designed to copy banking apps, where their usernames and passwords were collected before accounts were accessed. Investigators said the suspects allegedly drew Mongolian citizens into the scheme through cash, goods and promises of payment, using contacts and financing connected to an overseas cybercrime group. Searches of five suspects produced electronic and physical evidence, police said. The case remains under investigation under provisions covering unlawful cyber access and theft, with losses potentially exceeding one billion tugriks.
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Authorities Investigate Methamphetamine Seizure on Istanbul Flight
Published: 2026-08-26
Intelligence and customs authorities are investigating the seizure of 1,004.88 grams of methamphetamine from a Mongolian citizen arriving from Istanbul on August 10. The substance, commonly known as ice, was concealed in a suitcase checked as accompanying luggage on the Istanbul-Ulaanbaatar flight, according to the report. Customs officers detected it during inspection with the assistance of a sniffer dog and carried out urgent investigative measures to identify those involved. The case has since been transferred to the Investigation Department of the General Intelligence Agency. Authorities believe the quantity was brought into the country for sale and was sufficient to harm many people. The report does not identify the suspect or state whether further arrests have been made.
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Public University Tuition Rises by More Than 10% Before New Academic Year
Published: 2026-08-26
Tuition fees across Mongolia’s education system have risen by 7% to 13% for the 2026-2027 academic year, which begins next week. Sixty-eight universities and colleges are expected to operate this year, with 25,000 new students enrolling. At the Mongolian University of Science and Technology, first-year course credits now cost MNT 209,000 to MNT 218,000, up from MNT 185,000 to MNT 190,000 last year. At the Health Sciences University, annual tuition for medical, pediatric and dental programs is MNT 6.8 million. The National University of Mongolia charges about MNT 203,000 per credit for new entrants, compared with MNT 177,000 a year earlier. The Mongolian National University of Education raised fees by 9%, with annual tuition averaging MNT 3.7 million to MNT 4.2 million.
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Environment
Published: 2026-08-26
Authorities imposed quarantine measures from August 26 in Dashbalbar and Chuluunkhoroot soums of Dornod Province and Sukhbaatar soum of Sukhbaatar Province after laboratory tests confirmed the SAT-1 strain of foot-and-mouth disease in livestock. The strain was first detected in Mongolia in Bayan-Ulgii and Khovd provinces in May. Earlier vaccination campaigns used 1.65 million doses, and no new western cases had been reported since July 8. Veterinary authorities have deployed 74 personnel, begun administering 5,000 reserve doses and sent an additional 190,000 doses to the outbreak area. The government also decided to urgently procure six million doses covering SAT-1, O and A strains. Officials were ordered to strengthen controls on people and vehicles in border areas, establish road checkpoints and accelerate wildlife surveillance. Samples from more than 15,000 gazelles in Dornod’s Nomint bag found infections in a number of animals.
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Harvest Forecast Points to Domestic Wheat and Potato Supply
Published: 2026-08-26
The government has received a preliminary 2026 harvest balance showing expected production of 555,300 tonnes of grain, including 497,100 tonnes of wheat; 168,200 tonnes of potatoes; 218,400 tonnes of vegetables; 50,400 tonnes of oil crops; and 201,800 tonnes of fodder crops. The projection indicates domestic harvests could meet all food-wheat and potato needs for 2026-27, while covering 67.7 percent of vegetable demand. Compared with last year, wheat output is forecast to rise 85.8 percent and potato output 47.4 percent, while vegetable production is projected to fall 8.9 percent. Harvesting is expected to start seven to 10 days later than usual after prolonged rain and wet snow delayed planting. The government has re-established a national harvest commission; available machinery could complete the harvest in 26 to 30 days.
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Rain and Cooler Weather Set to Reach Ulaanbaatar
Published: 2026-08-26
The weather agency forecast no rain in Ulaanbaatar on August 26, with daytime temperatures of 27-29C and southwesterly winds of 5-10 meters per second. Thunderstorms were expected across much of western Mongolia, parts of central Mongolia, and the northwestern Gobi, with warnings for squalls, hail, lightning and flooding in the Altai, Khangai and Khuvsgul mountains. Rain was forecast in Ulaanbaatar from the night of August 26 through August 27, when the daytime temperature was forecast at 20-22C; wider cooling was expected from August 28. The September outlook projects near-average temperatures across most areas, but cooler-than-average conditions and above-average precipitation in parts of Selenge and northeastern Tuv. It also warns that wet snow in mountain areas, frost in agricultural regions, and sharp near-surface cold spells may arrive earlier than usual.
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Lawmakers Submit Revised Protected Areas Law
Published: 2026-08-26
Members of Parliament B. Bat-Erdene, P. Batchimeg and S. Lundeg submitted a revised Protected Areas Law to Parliament Speaker S. Byambatsogt on August 25. The bill would establish a National Protected Area Network linking state and locally protected sites, internationally recognized conservation areas, and zones protected under forest and water legislation. It also sets requirements for entities responsible for conservation, funding sources and implementation oversight. A digital information system and protected-area management plans would coordinate the network, with local residents represented on regional environmental councils. The proposal would clarify land-use rules and allow educational and nature-based tourism where it does not harm ecosystems. It also proposes multi-source, performance-based funding to give protected-area administrations more stable finances.
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Ulaanbaatar Cancels 407 Land Permits in Green-Belt Forest Areas
Published: 2026-08-26
Ulaanbaatar said it is cancelling land-use permits for 407 plots across 26 summer-camp valleys in the city’s green-belt and forest-fund areas of Sukhbaatar and Chingeltei districts. Mayor B. Purevdavaa said the plots had blocked public access, emergency routes or forest corridors, exceeded permitted fence boundaries, or were in risky conditions. He said more than 11,000 plots have been granted permits in forest-fund areas. The city says it will not allow new fences or unauthorized use on land released through the cancellations. Instead, it plans footpaths, green and fire-protection buffers, and recreation areas. Officials announced the move while UNCCD COP17 is under way in the capital, and said the broader effort will organize forest-fund land and increase access to green space.
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COP17 Links Land Restoration, Community Rights and New Funding
Published: 2026-08-26
UNCCD COP17 in Ulaanbaatar dedicated August 26 to Land & People Day, putting land degradation, sustainable land management, nature-based policy, and participation by herders, youth, women, communities and civil society on the agenda. A ministerial financing discussion said the global annual funding gap for measures against desertification, land degradation and drought is $278 billion. New pledges included $500 million from the African Development Bank, while Luxembourg, Spain, Germany and the European Union announced further support. Partners also launched the Youth Rangelands & Resilience Initiative at a research center in Gurvanbulag soum, Bulgan province. National Human Rights Commission chair D. Sunjid called for restoration policies to be assessed by their effects on livelihoods, health, water and food access. Food Systems & Soil Health Day follows on August 27.
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Floods Threaten Ulaanbaatar Drinking-Water Sources, Officials Warn
Published: 2026-08-26
Specialists have warned that flooding can contaminate Ulaanbaatar’s drinking-water sources and called for stronger water-quality monitoring and laboratory capacity. Mongolia records about 40 floods annually, and three of the four major floods recorded since 1966 occurred in densely populated Ulaanbaatar. Mongolia’s MNS 0900:2018 drinking-water standard covers 89 indicators, compared with 301 in Japan, 300 in Singapore and 231 in South Korea. Officials said testing methods, equipment and laboratory capacity should be expanded gradually to introduce internationally recognized analysis methods. The discussion took place during Water Day at COP17, where agencies also presented information on water resources, river basins, land degradation, and flood, drought and dzud risks. Mongolia’s average annual temperature has risen 2.46 degrees Celsius since 1940.
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Gurvantes Residents Challenge Planned Coal Haulage on Dirt Roads
Published: 2026-08-26
Residents of Gurvantes soum in Umnugovi province have asked the government to reconsider Resolution No. 144, which they say supports coal transport by Seker Resources Mongolia through the Gobi Gurvan Saikhan and Tost-Tosonbumba protected areas before a paved road is completed. They stopped seven loaded vehicles bound for the Shiveekhuren border crossing and say the company had agreed to build a 311-kilometer paved, dedicated road from the Khotgor mine in Shinejinst soum, Bayankhongor province. Residents also raised concerns about Altargana Khairkhan’s road work near border and protected areas, alleging environmental assessments were withheld and that oases and saxaul groves were damaged. They said coal dust affects pasture and settlements near the proposed route.
“Residents are demanding that the company fulfill its contractual obligation and build the asphalt road before transporting coal.” - L. Shinekhuu (ikon.mn)
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Oyu Tolgoi Plans Renewable Power Purchases and Gobi Restoration Work
Published: 2026-08-26
Rio Tinto, Erdenes Oyu Tolgoi and Oyu Tolgoi LLC announced joint environmental commitments at COP17, including plans for Oyu Tolgoi to meet part of its electricity demand through domestic renewable-energy sources. The partners said they will also support water protection, land restoration and reduced land degradation. Oyu Tolgoi plans saxaul afforestation covering up to 5,000 hectares in the Gobi and is studying three forest-restoration projects of about 10,000 hectares each in northern and central Mongolia. The initiative includes research on managed aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting and groundwater resources and quality in the Gobi. Oyu Tolgoi says it already recycles about 90% of water used at the mine. The companies presented these as planned initiatives, with measurable results sought over the next five years.
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Innovation
Second Round of Ulaanbaatar Kindergarten Registration Opens September 3
Published: 2026-08-26
Ulaanbaatar’s Capital City Education Department said it will accept applications for second-round kindergarten enrollment from September 3 through September 11. The registration is for parents and guardians who missed the first round, as well as those with temporary residential addresses. Applications will be made through the E-Mongolia platform. Applicants are asked to confirm both their own and their child’s address-registration information. Families whose children attended kindergarten in the previous academic year should select “Continue studying” at that same kindergarten. The first round recorded 100,481 successful applications. The city estimates 126,827 children will need preschool education during the 2026-2027 academic year. The department provided the dates and application guidance for the second round.
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Ten MOUs Advance Green Data-Center and AI Infrastructure Plans
Published: 2026-08-26
Prime Minister N. Uchral presented a proposal at UNCCD COP17 to develop an energy-efficient data center powered by renewable energy under the government’s 2026-2030 development program. Separately, organizations and companies from Mongolia, the United States, China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore, along with the Asian Development Bank, signed 10 memorandums of understanding on green data centers, renewable power, AI technology, digital transformation and related research. The agreements cover a planned portfolio with about 863 MW of data-center and supporting-infrastructure capacity. They establish a framework for project development, technical and commercial assessments, financing and implementation; they do not constitute completed projects. Digital Development, Innovation and Communications Minister C. Nomin said converting interest into financeable projects and long-term investment is the next task.
“Today’s main objective is to bring the right partners to one table.” - C. Nomin (ikon.mn)
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Health
MP Seeks Government Review of K2 Petrol’s Health Effects
Published: 2026-08-26
Member of Parliament J. Bayarmaa has formally questioned the Prime Minister about the health and air-quality effects of K2-grade gasoline, which Mongolia continues to import and use as AI-92 petrol. Mongolia’s MNS 0217:2017 standard permits K2 gasoline to contain up to 500 mg/kg of sulfur and 5% benzene. By contrast, TR TS 013/2011 Annex 2 and GOST 32513-2013 set K5 limits of 10 mg/kg of sulfur and 1% benzene. The inquiry seeks five-year import, consumption and supply-source data; laboratory results; compliance checks in Ulaanbaatar’s air-quality improvement zone; and evidence on vehicle emissions and public-health effects. It also asks whether fuel below K5 is being sold where the Air Law prohibits it, and requests an assessment of shifting from K2 to K5 or higher-grade gasoline.
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