High-pressure gas leak reported at Muynak field (video)

A high-pressure gas leak has been reported in the Muynak district of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The Ministry of Energy has issued an official statement following widespread attention on social media.

According to the ministry, the incident occurred on July 26 during drilling operations at the Muynak site, located within the Uchsoy oil and gas field. Gas was observed leaking from a depth of 4,707 meters in well No. 1, which is being drilled to a target depth of 5,000 meters. This is the first well drilled at the field.

The ministry noted that the leak was caused by gas pressure exceeding initial expectations. As a result, efforts are underway to decommission the well and relieve pressure, in full compliance with safety regulations.

Specialized teams have been deployed to the site, including the Central Military Control Detachment of the Militarized Part of Uzbekistan for the Prevention and Elimination of Open Oil and Gas Fountains, operating under the Society led by the Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz JSC. The Ministry of Emergency Situations, Uzbekgeofizika JSC, and local authorities are also involved in managing the situation.

Officials stressed that the well is located far from residential areas and that the gas is pure methane, free of sulfur content. They also noted that natural gas from all fields in the Ustyurt region does not contain sulfur.

To protect both personnel and the environment, the gas is currently being flared in a controlled manner. The ministry emphasized that this measure is necessary to ensure the safety of workers and to prevent ecological damage.

“No one was injured. Therefore, we ask the public not to panic. Additional information on the situation will be provided as it becomes available,” the statement concluded.