Uzbekistan Gas Imports Rise 2.2 Times in Q1 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan imported significantly more natural gas than it exported in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from the National Statistics Committee. The main suppliers during this period were Turkmenistan and Russia.

Official statistics show that gas imports increased 2.2 times year-on-year, reaching US$360.5 million. Monthly figures fluctuated sharply: imports stood at US$167.6 million in January, fell to US$34.6 million in February, and rose again to US$158.3 million in March.

At the same time, gas exports to China declined. According to Uzbek statistical data, exports fell about 2.5 times to US$36.7 million. Export activity was suspended in January, resumed at US$7.1 million in February, and increased more than fivefold in March to US$29.4 million.

However, figures from China’s General Administration of Customs differ significantly from Uzbekistan’s data. According to the Chinese side, total gas imports from Uzbekistan in January–March 2026 amounted to just over US$1 million.

The discrepancy between the two datasets exceeds US$35 million.

Chinese customs data also indicate that gas supplies from Uzbekistan were effectively halted in February and March.

Compared with the same period in 2025, when exports amounted to US$70.8 million, shipments reportedly decreased roughly 65 times.