By 2026, the volume of Russian gas transiting through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan is projected to increase nearly fourfold, reaching 11 bn cubic meters annually, according to 24KZ.
Currently, approximately 3 bn cubic meters of gas are transported annually from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. A new agreement between the countries has been signed, significantly expanding these volumes. This increase is driven by Uzbekistan's rising demand for natural gas in its industrial and energy sectors. The modernization of gas transportation infrastructure in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan will play a crucial role in facilitating this growth.
The project includes expanding the capacity of pipelines along the "Central Asia—Center" route, which will serve as the main corridor for gas deliveries to Uzbekistan. Kazakhstan, which derives substantial revenue from gas transit, also aims to develop its gas sector to enhance export capabilities.
Demand for gas in Uzbekistan continues to grow, particularly due to increased consumption by industrial enterprises. Domestic gas resources are primarily allocated for residential needs, prompting a rise in imports to support large-scale industrial operations.
One of the region’s largest facilities, located in the Kashkadarya region, specializes in processing natural gas into synthetic liquid fuel. Energy expert Bakhtiyor Ergashev highlighted that gas demand in Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, is steadily increasing. He forecasts that by 2030, Uzbekistan could import up to 10 bn cubic meters of gas annually.
For Kazakhstan, the project offers not only economic benefits from gas transit but also the opportunity to modernize its gas transportation system. The collaboration between the two countries is aimed at ensuring supply stability and meeting the region's growing energy needs.
Earlier, Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller reported that, between January and August 2024, Russian gas supplies to Central Asian countries doubled.
Miller noted the rapid growth in energy consumption across the region, with gas supplies to Uzbekistan reaching record levels via the "Central Asia—Center" pipeline. He also pointed out the success in Kyrgyzstan, where the gasification rate has doubled.
In June 2023, Gazprom signed agreements for gas supply and transit to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan via Kazakhstan for the period 2025 to 2040.
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