Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan plan to increase gas transit volumes

The joint gas project between Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan has been successful, and plans are underway to expand gas transit, Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev announced at a press conference in Tashkent.

“The Russia-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan gas project is showing successful results. Through our joint efforts, we intend to increase gas transit volumes. In addition, there are promising opportunities to expand cooperation in the oil and nuclear industries,” the press service of the Kazakh President quoted him as saying.

In June 2023, Uzbekistan signed a contract with Gazprom to purchase gas, with deliveries beginning in October of the same year. On 16 October, the Russian government announced that Gazprom continues to fulfill the contract to supply Uzbekistan with 7.7 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Authorities also highlighted significant potential to increase gas supplies, including liquefied natural gas.

President Tokayev visited Russia on a state visit from 11 to 12 November before arriving in Uzbekistan. In Tashkent, the Kazakh leader participated in the Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian heads of state on 16 November.

It is worth noting that from January to August this year, Russia increased gas deliveries to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan by 15 percent. According to a meeting held during Russia Energy Week between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Uzbekistan’s Energy Minister Jorabek Mirzamahmudov, Russia plans to further increase gas supplies to Uzbekistan, including in the form of liquefied natural gas.