US energy giant Gulf Oil is set to make a major entry into Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market, announcing plans to invest at least $150 million in building a large-scale network of modern gas stations across the country.

The announcement was made on February 18 in Washington by Gulf Vice President Craig Kramer during a meeting between Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and representatives of American businesses and financial institutions, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Kramer noted that Gulf intends to launch at least 100 modern gas stations over the next two years, all built to Western standards and supplied with high-quality fuel. “Financing is fully secured. Each facility will be modern and unique in scale and design,” he said.

The company also plans to develop multifunctional roadside service hubs along major highways, targeting tourists and transit carriers. Gulf estimates that each location will create at least 30 jobs, with the overall initiative expected to generate more than 3,000 new jobs for Uzbek citizens.

Kramer noted strong interest from regional authorities across Uzbekistan, stating that nearly all regional governors have submitted proposals for developing close to 200 gas stations nationwide. He described this as evidence of the country’s open business climate and growing investor confidence.

Beyond retail fuel operations, Gulf is also planning to expand into Uzbekistan’s aviation sector. Through its subsidiary Gulf Aviation, the company aims to invest around $50 million to introduce modern technologies and establish a reliable aviation fuel supply system capable of meeting the needs of both domestic and international airlines.

Gulf’s Central Asia operational base is expected to be located in Tashkent, further strengthening Uzbekistan’s ambitions to become a regional hub for logistics and retail infrastructure in Central Asia.