Uzbekistan’s Gas Imports Double in Q1 2026 as Energy Strategy Shifts
Uzbekistan spent $360.5 mln on natural gas imports during the first quarter of 2026, according to a recent report published by the National Statistics Committee.
This figure represents a significant 2.2-fold increase compared to the same period last year.
As the country ramps up its foreign energy purchases, its overseas sales have simultaneously taken a substantial hit. The republic saw its gas export revenues plummet to just $36.7 mln over the year, down from a previous total of $94.3 mln.
Boosting domestic extraction
In response to the shifting energy landscape, domestic producers are stepping up their operations to secure local supply. Speaking to the Uzbekistan 24 television channel, Uzbekneftegaz chief executive Sukhrob Khamraev revealed that successful geological exploration had unlocked an additional 2 bn cubic metres of hydrocarbon reserves by mid-April.
Looking ahead to the second quarter, the state-owned oil and gas company aims to boost its daily gas extraction output by 6.7 mln cubic metres. To achieve this ambitious production target, the firm expects to open 22 new drilling wells and modernise 31 existing sites across the country.
Deepening Russian energy ties
Alongside its domestic efforts, Tashkent is actively looking to expand its energy imports from the Russian Federation. Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov met with his Russian counterpart Mikhail Mishustin in April to discuss increasing the intake of both crude oil and natural gas.
Uzbekistan initially began importing Russian gas in 2023 to help cover domestic shortages. According to data from the Russian energy giant Gazprom, fuel deliveries to Central Asian nations grew by 15% between January and August of last year. To facilitate further supply increases across the wider region, Moscow ultimately plans to utilise the infrastructure of the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline.
