To address the energy deficit during the autumn-winter period, Uzbekistan has ramped up its gas imports from Russia. According to Energy Minister Zhurabek Mirzamakhmudov, the country has imported approximately 300 mn cubic meters of gas since October 7, under a two-year contract with Gazprom.
The agreement stipulates a daily purchase volume of 9 mn cubic meters, amounting to roughly 2.8 bn cubic meters annually. However, the current pace of delivery surpasses the agreed volume, with 300 mn cubic meters being delivered in less than the expected 33 days.
Despite inquiries, Minister Mirzamakhmudov declined to disclose the price of the imported gas from Russia and Turkmenistan, citing confidentiality. He also refrained from sharing the Ministry’s projections for gas exports to China for the current and upcoming year.
Uzbekistan has also increased its oil imports. Mirzamakhmudov revealed that the country imported 1 mn tons of oil and petroleum products this year, a slight increase from 2022. The nation plans to further boost oil imports to cater to the demands of its expanding economy.
The Minister also commented on the recent intergovernmental agreement with Russia on oil supplies, emphasizing the absence of supply restrictions. “The main thing is that there are no restrictions on the supply issue,” he stated.
From January to September, Uzbekistan’s gas imports exceeded its exports in terms of value ($487.9 mn vs $411.7 mn). In September alone, gas worth $286.1 mn was imported from Turkmenistan, marking a 40% increase compared to the previous eight months.
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