Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan plans to increase its natural gas imports to 10–11 billion cubic meters per year by 2030, amid the depletion of existing fields. This was stated by the Minister of Energy of Uzbekistan, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, in the podcast Lolazor.

According to the strategy “Uzbekistan-2030,” the aim is to increase gas production to 62 billion cubic meters by 2030. However, in recent years, there has been a consistent decline in the production of “blue fuel.” In 2023, gas production fell to 46.7 billion cubic meters, which is 9.6% lower than in 2022. From January to August 2024, the volume of production was 29.9 billion cubic meters, a decrease of 4.6% compared to the same period in 2023 and 25% less than the same period in 2019.

When asked about the validity of forecasts regarding increased production if it continues to decline, as well as the limits on gas imports, the minister noted that gas consumption is rising due to population growth and economic development. He emphasized that by 2030, the plan is to increase natural gas imports to 10–11 billion cubic meters per year.

Mirzamakhmudov explained that opening and developing a new field takes 3 to 5 years and pointed to a lack of geological exploration in the past. The depletion of existing fields has reached 85%. In the Ustyurt region, where the highest volume of gas is extracted, compressor stations are actively being built to enhance efficiency.

The minister also mentioned the challenges of geological exploration in the Ustyurt region. As part of the Surgil project, the American company DeGolyer and MacNaughton was hired to conduct a full audit of reserves and develop the field. However, the results were not confirmed.

He added that the “gas cap” in the Surgil field exists in several layers, unlike other fields in Uzbekistan. Work in the Ustyurt region continues, with international companies such as Halliburton and Schlumberger being involved. Depending on the results of geological and geophysical studies, the volume of gas imports may decrease if the reserves are found to be good and production levels are maintained. Otherwise, imports are expected to remain within the range of 10–11 billion cubic meters per year.