Uzbekneftegaz: Uzbekistan’s gas is produced to meet both domestic and export demands

Deputy Chairman of the Uzbekneftegaz Ulugbek Saidov said that gas production in Uzbekistan is carried out to meet domestic demand and fulfill export contracts.

“In 2018, 60-65 billion cubic meters of gas were produced – this figure exceeds the last year’s index by 8.5%. Additionally, in 2018, 3 million tons of hydrocarbons were produced and transferred to enterprises for processing. Uzbekistan buys hydrocarbon feedstock from Turkmenistan, the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan to meet the demand for petroleum products,” Mr. Saidov said.

According to him, the bulk of gas produced is exported to China and Russia. Despite this, there is a shortage of gas in the country. For example, automobile gas stations (methane) supply gas with restrictions. When the gas is taken over the limit, a higher price is set. Also, due to gas shortages, many power generating stations of the JSC Uzbekenergo are not being operated at full capacity.

In addition, when it is cold in the autumn-winter period, a decrease in pressure in gas pipes, or even a complete gas shutoff creates serious problems for the population of the Fergana Valley and other regions of the country. Despite the important agreement reached as a result of negotiations with Kazakhstani KazTransGas on the continuous supply of gas to consumers in Fergana Valley, the local gas supply infrastructure is in poor condition.