Uzbekistan Gas Extraction Falls to 9.6 Bn Cubic Metres in Q1 2026
Uzbekistan’s gas and oil production fell sharply in the first quarter of 2026, according to the National Statistics Committee.
Gas output reached 9.6 bn cubic metres between January and March. This is down from 11.3 bn cubic metres during the same period last year.
Oil production dropped to 157,300 tonnes, down from 179,100 tonnes in Q1 2024. This marks the third consecutive year of declining oil extraction for the country.
Despite the drop in raw materials, domestic refined fuel production increased. Petrol output rose to 313,200 tonnes and diesel jumped to 280,900 tonnes over the past year.
Falling domestic extraction has forced Uzbekistan to heavily increase its foreign fuel purchases. Imports more than doubled year-on-year to $360.5 mln in the first quarter. Meanwhile, energy exports crashed to just $36.7 mln.
To address the deficit, state energy firm Uzbekneftegaz plans to open 22 new wells and upgrade 31 existing sites later this year. This aims to boost daily fuel extraction by 6.7 mln cubic metres. The government will also increase its purchases of Russian gas.
