Uzbekistan’s Natural Gas Output Drops 21.7% in Four Years

Uzbekistan’s natural gas production has fallen 21.7 per cent over the past four years, mainly due to weak strategic planning and a focus on short-term operational tasks.

Officials reviewed progress on presidential priority tasks, including restoring company operations, stabilizing gas output, and boosting industrial production. They emphasized assessing the economic efficiency of each gas field to tackle long-standing structural issues, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

Despite significant funding this year for geological exploration and technical work, production has not improved, with a 5-6 per cent drop in gas output also affecting related products. Gas is currently supplied at below-cost prices, undermining financial stability and increasing external debt.

The meeting concluded with approval of a comprehensive action plan to ensure sustainable development, increase reserves, and overcome challenges in Uzbekistan’s natural gas sector.