The World Bank has approved a $10.6 million grant for Uzbekistan to repair aging gas transportation infrastructure.

The funds will be used to reduce gas leaks and improve delivery efficiency for both households and industrial consumers, The Caspian Post reports via Uzbek media.

According to the World Bank, parts of Uzbekistan’s gas system have deteriorated over time due to insufficient maintenance funding, causing significant gas losses and financial damage.

The grant supports a project to detect and fix natural gas leaks, with implementation scheduled through 2029. Repairs are expected to prevent approximately 47,500 tons of gas from being lost annually. Experts warn that without action, by 2030, total gas losses could reach 1.75 billion cubic meters, resulting in annual revenue losses of roughly $228 million.

World Bank's Director for the Central Asia region Najy Benhassine emphasized that improving the gas transport system will reduce leaks and increase energy available to residents and businesses. Projected savings from reduced losses are estimated at $18 million per year, much of which will fund long-term leak detection and repair measures.

The initiative also includes the purchase of modern leak-detection equipment, staff training at Uztransgaz, and implementation of international methane measurement and reporting standards, aiming to enhance efficiency and environmental compliance in Uzbekistan’s gas sector.