Russia boosts liquefied gas supplies to Uzbekistan amid rising regional energy demand

According to data from the consulting company Kept, cited by the Russian newspaper Kommersant, Russia’s total liquefied gas exports grew by 27 percent during the four–month period, reaching 1.43 million tons. Shipments directed toward Central Asia experienced a 71 percent increase, with Uzbekistan alone importing 231,000 tons of propane and butane.

The data also shows a strong upward trend in other directions, notably China. Russian LPG deliveries to China reached 498,000 tons during the same period, marking a 2.5–fold increase compared to the first four months of 2025. Analysts attribute this shift to rising prices and a reduction in maritime shipments caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East, which has made overland pipeline and rail deliveries more attractive.

The surge in LPG imports aligns with broader data released by the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan. The country spent $508.3 million on natural and artificial gas imports between January and April 2026, reflecting a 53.6 percent increase compared to the corresponding period last year.