BP Explores Participation in Uzbekistan Ustyurt Oil and Gas Project with SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz

Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, has revealed in an interview with Azerbaijani outlet Report that the international energy company British Petroleum (BP) has expressed interest in the Ustyurt plateau oil and gas project.

Mirzamahmudov explained that Tashkent is holding preliminary discussions on BP’s potential role in hydrocarbon extraction. The project is a joint effort involving Uzbekneftegaz and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR. During the initial phase, the plan includes conducting seismic surveys, drilling wells, and obtaining early results.

«Experts, particularly those from SOCAR, anticipate promising oil yields. Should these forecasts be confirmed, we will simultaneously begin preparations for a new oil refinery,» the minister said.

As of early October 2025, Uzbekistan’s oil production reached 490,100 tonnes, compared with 542,200 tonnes in the same period in 2024 and 585,100 tonnes in 2023.

Founded in 1909 as the Anglo-Persian Oil Company, BP is today one of the world’s largest energy corporations. Its operations cover oil and gas exploration, production, and refining, as well as investments in low-carbon and renewable energy projects.