Tashkent Oil and Gas Forum: Uzbekistan Increases Fuel Production and Expands Solar Energy
Economy
The second Central Asia Oil and Gas Forum, taking place in Tashkent on October 15–16, is addressing energy-sector development, investment, logistics and fuel supply. Industry representatives reported higher production of petroleum products, plans to drill additional wells and a growing contribution from solar power.
Davron Vakhabov, Chairman of Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said diesel production rose by 6% over the first eight months of the year, while petrol production increased by nearly 5%. He added that the Uzbekistan GTL complex processes 3.6 billion cubic metres of gas and produces 1.5 million tonnes of synthetic fuel annually.
Vakhabov also stated that Uzbekistan had 446,000 commercial enterprises as of August 1, 2026. In his view, businesses in services, logistics, engineering and machinery manufacturing should play a greater role in oil and gas supply chains. The Chamber is ready to help them establish links with foreign partners and technology suppliers.
Denis Borodenok, Head of Strategy and Business Development at UNG Overseas, reported that 80 wells had been drilled and five new gas fields discovered in Uzbekistan since the beginning of the year. A further 40 wells are planned for the fourth quarter.
According to Borodenok, solar power generation increased 24-fold over three years. Solar energy has helped Uzbekistan save around 6.2 billion cubic metres of gas, with a further 2.8 billion cubic metres expected to be saved in 2026. By 2030, the country aims to obtain up to half of its electricity from renewable sources.
Aviation fuel supply was another topic at the forum. Khasan Sadullayev, Head of Fuel Supply at Uzbekistan Airports, said Tashkent Airport accounts for 65% of fuel consumption. Airports in Namangan, Fergana and Urgench are also major consumers as flight numbers and tourism continue to grow.
Sadullayev said the capacities of the Bukhara and Fergana refineries are insufficient to meet airports’ demand. More than 10,000 tonnes of fuel were purchased over the past two months from the international brand of Uzbekneftegaz. Some fuel is also imported, while supply routes are being diversified in response to the situation in the Middle East.
The forum brings together energy companies, investors and logistics stakeholders to discuss project financing, cross-border trade routes, refining and the resilience of supply chains.
Vakhabov also stated that Uzbekistan had 446,000 commercial enterprises as of August 1, 2026. In his view, businesses in services, logistics, engineering and machinery manufacturing should play a greater role in oil and gas supply chains. The Chamber is ready to help them establish links with foreign partners and technology suppliers.
Denis Borodenok, Head of Strategy and Business Development at UNG Overseas, reported that 80 wells had been drilled and five new gas fields discovered in Uzbekistan since the beginning of the year. A further 40 wells are planned for the fourth quarter.
According to Borodenok, solar power generation increased 24-fold over three years. Solar energy has helped Uzbekistan save around 6.2 billion cubic metres of gas, with a further 2.8 billion cubic metres expected to be saved in 2026. By 2030, the country aims to obtain up to half of its electricity from renewable sources.
Aviation fuel supply was another topic at the forum. Khasan Sadullayev, Head of Fuel Supply at Uzbekistan Airports, said Tashkent Airport accounts for 65% of fuel consumption. Airports in Namangan, Fergana and Urgench are also major consumers as flight numbers and tourism continue to grow.
Sadullayev said the capacities of the Bukhara and Fergana refineries are insufficient to meet airports’ demand. More than 10,000 tonnes of fuel were purchased over the past two months from the international brand of Uzbekneftegaz. Some fuel is also imported, while supply routes are being diversified in response to the situation in the Middle East.
The forum brings together energy companies, investors and logistics stakeholders to discuss project financing, cross-border trade routes, refining and the resilience of supply chains.
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