Uzbekistan’s gas exports top $624m in 11 months as imports approach $1.5bn

Monthly export figures show significant fluctuations throughout the year. Shipments peaked in April at $105.4 million and remained relatively high through the summer months before declining in October. In November, gas exports totaled $55.9 million, up 5.5 percent from $53 million a year earlier.

At the same time, Chinese customs data present a higher figure for Uzbek gas deliveries. According to the General Administration of Customs of China, China imported $741.4 million worth of gas from Uzbekistan in January–November, an increase of 11 percent compared with the same period of 2024. The discrepancy between Uzbek and Chinese statistics amounts to $117.3 million and would be even larger if exports to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were included.

Chinese data also show that November gas imports from Uzbekistan fell to $44.78 million, nearly half the level recorded a year earlier.

On the import side, Uzbekistan purchased gas worth $1.46 billion in the first 11 months of the year, down 1.2 percent year-on-year, according to the national statistics agency. Imports surged in November to $334.3 million, almost 1.8 times higher than in November 2024.

Energy Ministry: Exports mainly take place in summer

Commenting on the issue at a press conference on October 28, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said gas exports are largely seasonal and depend on the balance between production and domestic consumption.

“Historically, we do not export gas in winter, especially during cold days. This is done to cover domestic demand,” the minister said, adding that exports are mainly carried out in summer when output exceeds internal needs.

He stressed that meeting domestic demand remains the government’s top priority, particularly for industry and households. “If it becomes necessary to cover internal consumption, we fully suspend exports and redirect gas to the domestic market. Added value is our priority,” Mirzamakhmudov said.

Official statistics, however, indicate that Uzbekistan has previously exported gas during winter months.