Gas production is declining in Uzbekistan, exports have increased

In recent years, natural gas production in Uzbekistan has significantly decreased. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

According to the State Statistics Committee's report, a total of 25.3 billion cubic meters of gas was produced in the country from January to July 2025. This is 884 million cubic meters less compared to the same period last year, representing a 3.4 percent decline.

This figure is the lowest level in the past eight years. For example, in 2017, 32.2 billion cubic meters of gas were produced, and in 2018, this amount reached 35.1 billion cubic meters.

Therefore, the 2025 results indicate significant problems in the energy sector. However, gas exports have sharply increased.

In the first seven months of this year, natural gas worth 438.6 million dollars was delivered abroad, which is 38.2 percent more compared to 2024. At the same time, due to high domestic demand, the country is forced to import gas worth 734 million dollars.

Experts explain this situation by the inability of domestic production to meet demand. The government continues to sell gas to the population at a subsidized price.

This requires large subsidies from the budget. For example, for 2025, 7 trillion soums, for 2026, 5.9 trillion soums, and for 2027, 5.5 trillion soums in subsidies are planned.

Although it was previously stated that subsidies would be canceled starting from 2028, it is now known that more than 5 trillion soums will still be allocated that year. According to officials, if reforms in the energy sector are not implemented quickly, natural gas production may decline further, causing problems in meeting domestic demand.

Nevertheless, due to high demand for natural gas in the international market, the increase in export volumes is considered highly likely. Source: State Statistics Committee, 2025.