Coal production on rise
In Uzbekistan, coal production has seen a significant increase in 2023. Over the first 11 months of the year, coal production increased by 19.1%, reaching a total volume of 5.73 mn tons from January to November, as per the Statistics Agency. This is a substantial increase compared to the previous year when the growth was only 3.8% for the same period in 2022.
This surge in coal production is part of a broader trend in Uzbekistan. The country’s coal production has been steadily increasing over the years, from 3.8 mn tons on average from 1985 to 2022, reaching an all-time high of 6.5 mn tons in 1990.
Oil and natural gas production declines
While coal production is on the rise, the oil and natural gas sectors in Uzbekistan have seen a negative trend in 2023. Oil production decreased by 1.7%, and natural gas production decreased by 9.6%. This is a significant shift from the past, as Uzbekistan ranks 11th in the world for mining and 14th for reserves in natural gas.
Bigger picture
The fluctuations in Uzbekistan’s energy sector reflect the complex dynamics of the country’s economy and its abundant natural resources. Uzbekistan is rich in oil, gas, coal, and uranium, and its energy policies and production levels have significant implications for both domestic and international markets.
The increase in coal production comes at a time when the country is implementing large-scale reforms to strengthen its energy industry. These reforms aim to address issues such as high equipment wear and tear, slow infrastructure updates, faulty equipment operations, and inadequate installations.
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