Two main concepts for regulating energy drinks are currently under consideration in Kyrgyzstan. On the instructions of President Sadyr Japarov, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked with considering the introduction of a complete ban on the production and import of such drinks. In parallel, Jogorku Kenesh MP Erulan Kokulov put forward a proposal to restrict the sale of energy drinks to persons under 18.
Consumption and economic consequences
Both initiatives stem from growing concern about the effects of regular consumption of energy drinks on public health. According to preliminary data, Kyrgyzstanis consumed 54 million 199 thousand liters of energy drinks in 2025, equivalent to roughly 129 million cans. In the first half of 2026, consumption reached 36 million 83 thousand liters, or about 85.9 million cans.
Positions of the authorities and legislative proposals
According to the president's estimate, if a complete ban is introduced, the budget could lose about 1.5 billion som annually. However, President Sadyr Japarov stressed that public health must remain the priority, saying: “The health of the nation, of citizens and of future generations must not be measured in money.” As part of the legislative changes, Erulan Kokulov's draft provides for a ban on the sale of energy drinks to persons under 18, including online sales channels and delivery services. Fines of 10 thousand to 35 thousand som are proposed for violating this ban, and up to 55 thousand som for a repeat violation.
A question before the authorities
In this regard, government bodies face the question of which path to take: whether to introduce a complete ban or whether it is enough to tighten controls by restricting sales to minors and raising public awareness of the potential risks.
- Presidential initiative: consideration of a complete ban on production and imports.
- MP's initiative: a ban on sales to minors, including online and delivery.
