Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekneftegaz plans to modernize the Bukhara oil refinery to produce high-octane automotive gasoline directly through the refining process, eliminating the need for imported additives currently used to increase the octane rating of finished fuel.
Sukhrob Khamraev, first deputy chairman of the state-owned company's management board, announced the modernization plans at a press conference on 27 October.
According to Khamraev, a feasibility study for the project has already been completed. The initiative received presidential approval during a meeting in October and a positive assessment from the Center for Comprehensive Expertise.
Work is now underway to secure formal approval through the relevant government decision.
Khamraev said modernization could begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 or during 2027, depending on the approval of the feasibility study and the adoption of a presidential resolution.
Contractors are expected to be selected through an open tender. Technology licensors, construction companies and other potential contractors will be eligible to participate and submit their proposals.
The company also plans to finance part of the project through loans. Khamraev emphasized that information about the tender and the government decision would be made publicly available.
Abrorjon Khudoyberganov, deputy chairman of Uzbekneftegaz's management board responsible for refining operations, said the Bukhara refinery is currently operating at the limits of its production capacity.
He said the company is fully meeting its fuel supply targets, while gasoline inventories available for sale to consumers exceed 125,000 tonnes.
Khudoyberganov also highlighted the impact of imported additives on fuel production costs. The additives, which are used to raise gasoline's octane rating, increase the cost of producing finished fuel.
Following the refinery's reconstruction and the expansion of production of the new gasoline products, manufacturing costs are expected to decline, which should also lead to lower prices for the fuel.
