Uzbekistan has officially begun hydrocarbon exploration in Afghanistan, marking a significant step in expanding its regional energy footprint.

Exploration activities have started across three promising blocks - Muhammad-Zhandagar, Shamar, and Ahmadabad, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

The operations are being carried out by Uzbek Overseas Geology Company, which is leading geological prospecting and research efforts in the area.

The move follows a bilateral agreement signed in 2025 between the relevant authorities of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan on conducting search and geological exploration of hydrocarbon deposits.