Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In 2024, Uzbekistan significantly increased its natural gas imports, totaling US$1.68 billion, which is 141.7% higher compared to the same period in 2023. This was stated by the Statistics Agency.

According to the agency, in 2023, this figure stood at US$695 million.

The import of oil and petroleum products also increased, reaching over US$1.97 billion, which is 22.2% more than in 2023.

The Statistics Agency also reported that Uzbekistan increased its gas exports by 18.4%, reaching US$627.6 million.

Additionally, the export of oil and petroleum products grew by 70.5%, totaling US$567.9 million.

It is worth noting that from 7 October 2023, Uzbekistan has started importing natural gas from Russia via Kazakhstan. The agreement, signed for two years, provides for the delivery of 2.8 billion cubic meters annually.

In May 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that work is underway to expand the capacity of the "Central Asia – Center" pipeline system. This will allow the gas flow to Uzbekistan to increase to 11 billion cubic meters per year starting next year.