Environmental authorities assess UZS 8.5 billion in damages following Boysun oil spill

The incident is linked to a well belonging to the Surkhan Gas Chemical Operating Company JV LLC. According to the Ministry of Energy, oil-bearing liquid began bubbling from the well in late December 2025. In an attempt to prevent the substance from reaching natural water bodies, the joint venture utilized special equipment from Eriell Oilfield Services Middle East DMCC to dig 11 containment pits to store the liquid.

However, the Ecopolice investigation revealed that these measures failed during a period of intense rainfall on April 23. The heavy precipitation caused the containment pits to overflow, resulting in the discharge of the oil-contaminated liquid into the Khongaransoy river. The resulting pollution has caused extensive damage to the local ecosystem, leading to the multi-billion UZS fine.

The Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection reported that the immediate threat has since been mitigated, and the water has been cleared of the oil mixture. Despite the cleanup, the investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the negligence involved.

Once the Ecopolice conclude their technical study, the compiled documents and evidence will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office. Law enforcement agencies will then provide a final legal assessment to hold the responsible parties accountable for the environmental impact in the region.