In line with the terms of the agreement between the KazMunayGaz, Kaztransgaz, Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz [Uzbek oil and gas national company], a total of 3.5bn cu.m. of Uzbek gas was to be delivered to southern Kazakhstan in 2008.

As was reported earlier, a sudden plummeting of temperature in Central Asia in the last ten days of December 2007 led to a 40-per-cent decrease in the natural gas supplies from Uzbekistan to southern regions of Kazakhstan.

In connection with this situation, urgent negotiations were held between the above mentioned companies on 17-18 January. During the talks the sides agreed on the additional supply of 100m cu.m. of natural gas to Kazakhstan.

"Despite the persistent cold weather, the increase in the volumes of gas supplies has made it possible to resume the normal mode of gas delivery to the south of the country. As of 28 January, all industrial enterprises in southern regions of Kazakhstan have been shifted to gas and are working in a normal mode," the press release says.