Uzbekistan Boosts Oil and Gas Production on Ustyurt Plateau

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz, Sukhrob Khamroev, told the Oʻzbekiston 24 TV channel about key results of the sector in the first quarter of 2026 and outlined plans for the rest of the year to increase oil and gas reserves, stabilize production, and develop deep hydrocarbon processing.

On March 25, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on ongoing efforts in the oil and gas sector aimed at developing new reserves and ensuring stable production.

Uzbekneftegaz is implementing projects with international companies, including Boston Consulting Group, Schlumberger, and Upwing (USA), to adopt advanced technologies.

Special attention is given to the project on the Ustyurt Plateau. In August 2024, Uzbekneftegaz and the Azerbaijani state company SOCAR signed a cooperation agreement, followed by a production sharing agreement in July 2025. The project includes seismic surveys, exploration, and oil and gas production, with estimated reserves of 100 million tons of oil and 35 billion cubic meters of gas.

Annual oil production on the Ustyurt Plateau is expected to reach approximately 5 million tons, 2.5 times the current import volume.

The project is planned in three phases with around $2 billion in investments. Produced gas will supply the domestic market, while oil will meet the country’s energy needs for the next 25 years. Initial production results are anticipated 3–5 years after the construction of infrastructure and the start of seismic surveys and drilling.

Collaboration with SOCAR and participation of British Petroleum (BP) provide opportunities to attract advanced technologies and investments. In February, Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov discussed with BP management prospects for large projects, including expanded cooperation in renewable energy.

President Mirziyoyev instructed authorities to ensure stable gas production by the end of the year through reserve expansion and intensified exploration. Industry representatives assured that all available resources would be used to achieve the objectives.

The Ustyurt Plateau projects are expected to help Uzbekistan achieve strategic energy independence, providing the industrial sector with reliable, high-quality, and affordable oil and gas.