Uzbekistan's gas extraction plans have been reduced

Uzbekistan's gas production plans until 2030 have been significantly reduced. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

In the updated draft of the “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy published on the SOVAZ portal, the indicators in this regard have been revised. Previous plans showed that achieving the set targets would be difficult.

According to Upl.uz, the gas production volume planned for 2030 is set at 38.7 billion cubic meters. This is a 37 percent decrease from the 62 billion cubic meters figure approved in September 2023.

Notably, the statistical data for 2025 alone amounts to 38.9 billion cubic meters, already exceeding the newly set target. The strategy estimates that a total of 186.8 billion cubic meters of gas can be produced during 2026–2030.

However, annual volumes are expected to continue declining. For example, if production in 2026 reaches 37.9 billion cubic meters, this figure may fall to 35.6 billion in 2027 and 33.4 billion cubic meters in 2028.

Only in 2029 is an increase to 41.2 billion cubic meters forecasted, but a decline is expected again by 2030. The Ministry of Energy and “Uzbekneftegaz” are responsible for achieving these goals.

However, it has been noted that gas production volume has decreased by 21.7 percent over the past four years. Analysts associate this decline with errors in strategic planning and short-term problems.

At the same time, the Minister of Energy announced last year that the decline could stop as early as 2026. Hopes are mainly linked to gas from new fields in Karakalpakstan, but this is also not expected to yield positive results in the near future.

Although Uzbekistan was previously a major player in gas exports, due to increased domestic consumption and decreasing gas reserves in wells, it has been forced to import gas from Russia. This situation is regarded as a new turning point in the region's energy policy.