Uzbekistan Boosts Gas Exports to China

Uzbekistan significantly increased its natural gas exports to China in April 2025, doubling shipments despite ongoing public frustration over winter gas shortages.

According to data released by the National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan remained a net exporter of natural gas in the first four months of the year, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

From January to April 2025, Uzbekistan exported more natural gas than it imported. Gas imports from Russia and Turkmenistan plunged nearly threefold to $150.5 million. In January, imports totaled $27.8 million, followed by a steep drop to $8 million in February and just $2.7 million in March. However, in April, gas imports rebounded dramatically - rising 41.5 times to $112 million.

In contrast, exports to China saw a significant surge. Gas exports to the country increased by 85%, reaching $199.7 million over the same four-month period. Monthly figures show a sharp rise: $21.8 million in January, $20.2 million in February, $52.3 million in March, and a peak of $105.4 million in April.

Interestingly, China's customs authority reported slightly different figures. According to Beijing, Uzbekistan exported $143 million worth of gas to China between January and April - still more than double the volume over the same period in 2024. China also recorded a steep monthly increase in imports from Uzbekistan, jumping from $21.39 million in March to $72.24 million in April - 6.3 times higher than in April 2024.

Russia continues to lead among gas exporters to China, having supplied $3.32 billion worth of natural gas in the first four months of 2025. Turkmenistan follows with $2.78 billion, trailed by Myanmar ($537.3 million), Kazakhstan ($261.1 million), the United States, and Italy.