Uzbekistan Begins Development of Major Gas Field in Northern Afghanistan

Uzbekistan has initiated a significant energy project focused on the exploration and development of the Tuti-Maidan gas field in northern Afghanistan.

The site is believed to contain approximately 3 trillion cubic meters of natural gas, making it one of the largest untapped reserves in the region, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

A ceremony marking the start of the project was held with senior officials from both countries in attendance. Uzbekistan was represented by Ismatulla Ergashev, the President’s Special Representative for Afghanistan; Bahodir Siddikov, board chairman of Uzbekneftegaz; and Bakhtiyor Mamatkarimov, Deputy Energy Minister. From the Afghan side, Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs in the Taliban government, and Hidayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, took part.

Speaking at the event, Baradar said the project showed Afghanistan’s readiness to attract foreign investment. He stressed that its implementation would reduce reliance on hydrocarbon and electricity imports, generate new jobs, limit foreign currency outflows, and pave the way for future gas exports.

According to Amu.tv, the project is being led by Uzbekistan’s Eriell company, which plans to invest $100 million in the first year. Tolonews reported that the development contract was signed with AERL Group and KAM Energy Company for a 25-year term. Earlier, Ergashev noted that the venture would be carried out by Eriell KAM, a joint Uzbek-Afghan enterprise.

The Tuti-Maidan gas field spans around 7,000 square kilometers across Jowzjan and Faryab provinces. Total investment in the project is expected to reach $1 billion over the next decade.