Uzbekistan plans to boost its natural gas imports from Russia by about 3.5 times, aiming for 32 million cubic meters per day in the medium term, according to a government decree cited by RIA News. The move signals a strategic shift in energy cooperation and underscores Uzbekistan’s intent to diversify and expand its gas supply options in the coming years.
At present, Uzbekistan operates under a two-year contract with Gazprom that envisions daily deliveries of 9 million cubic meters, amounting to roughly 2.8 billion cubic meters per year. The current schedule places the start of these deliveries in October 2023, with gas flowing via Kazakhstan. This arrangement reflects regional energy logistics and the role of neighboring transit routes in meeting Uzbekistan’s consumption and industrial needs.
Looking ahead, Gazprom is anticipated to formalize 15-year medium-term supply agreements with partner countries by late 2024. The process is expected to unfold during the SPIEF forum in St. Petersburg, where talks are planned for June 5-8. Potential signatories include Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, highlighting an expanded network of long-term energy relationships among CIS states and adjacent markets.
Separately, Uzbekistan’s Cabinet of Ministers approved measures to implement the government’s investment program for 2024-2030. A key item on the project list is a modernization initiative for the main gas pipeline system, designed to raise the volume of imports of northern natural gas, with an investment value approaching 470 million dollars. The upgrade aims to enhance reliability, capacity, and integration with regional gas supply routes, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s energy security and regional cooperation.
From a broader regional perspective, Russia has continued to position itself as a principal gas supplier to Asia, including as a major source for China. This role underscores Ukraine-related energy concerns and the evolving dynamics of gas trade in Eurasia, where infrastructure, transit corridors, and geopolitical considerations shape contract terms and delivery routes.
Analysts note that recent discussions around LNG and pipeline gas flows reflect strategic choices by both producers and consumers in the region. The focus remains on ensuring stable supply, predictable pricing, and the ability to respond to shifts in demand across energy-intensive sectors.