Uzbekistan Bets on New Gas Fields
Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan plans to halt the long-term decline in natural gas production in 2026 by bringing new gas fields into operation, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov said at a session of the Legislative Chamber on December 11.
According to the minister, the gas sector faces objective challenges, as about 85% of existing fields are highly depleted, resulting in falling pressure and production levels. Nevertheless, intensified geological exploration has been launched in promising regions at the president’s instruction.
One of the key outcomes was the discovery of a new gas field in the Muynak district of Karakalpakstan. The field has already been connected to the national gas system, and the commissioning of two wells has enabled additional production of up to 3 million cubic meters of gas per day. Seven more wells are expected to be drilled by the end of the year.
Particular attention has been drawn to the Muynak-2 well, completed in November. It has become the most productive well in Uzbekistan’s history and has been connected to the Uztransgaz pipeline network. Drilling was carried out at depths of up to 5,000 meters under challenging geological conditions using advanced Baker Hughes equipment.
Gas gathering and processing infrastructure is also being expanded. A gas collection facility designed for 12 wells has been built at the field, and a new 34-kilometer pipeline is being laid to the Arslon gas processing complex.
The minister added that Uzbekistan has begun cooperation with SOCAR on exploration projects alongside ongoing efforts by Uzbekneftegaz. Authorities expect that these combined measures will help stabilize gas production in 2026.
According to the Energy Institute, Uzbekistan’s proven gas reserves stand at about 1.97 trillion cubic meters, while production has been declining in recent years. Amid this trend, the country imports gas from Russia and Turkmenistan while increasing exports, primarily to China.
One of the key outcomes was the discovery of a new gas field in the Muynak district of Karakalpakstan. The field has already been connected to the national gas system, and the commissioning of two wells has enabled additional production of up to 3 million cubic meters of gas per day. Seven more wells are expected to be drilled by the end of the year.
Particular attention has been drawn to the Muynak-2 well, completed in November. It has become the most productive well in Uzbekistan’s history and has been connected to the Uztransgaz pipeline network. Drilling was carried out at depths of up to 5,000 meters under challenging geological conditions using advanced Baker Hughes equipment.
Gas gathering and processing infrastructure is also being expanded. A gas collection facility designed for 12 wells has been built at the field, and a new 34-kilometer pipeline is being laid to the Arslon gas processing complex.
The minister added that Uzbekistan has begun cooperation with SOCAR on exploration projects alongside ongoing efforts by Uzbekneftegaz. Authorities expect that these combined measures will help stabilize gas production in 2026.
According to the Energy Institute, Uzbekistan’s proven gas reserves stand at about 1.97 trillion cubic meters, while production has been declining in recent years. Amid this trend, the country imports gas from Russia and Turkmenistan while increasing exports, primarily to China.
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