Talks about the new project have arisen amid concerns by Uzbek authorities over the decline in the country’s “blue fuel” production. According to official data, Uzbekistan’s production volume decreased by 5 billion cubic meters in 2023 compared to 2022, a drop of 10 percent. According to Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, this is due to the depletion of existing fields and technological losses. The majority of these losses are attributed to “Uzbekneftegaz,” where “75-80% of the fields are already depleted.” Against this backdrop, Tashkent is seeking other sources of gas.
“The issue of Uzbekneftegaz joining gas production projects in Azerbaijan is being discussed and is in the final stages,” said Laziz Kudratov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Investments, Industry, and Trade.
He added that the matter involves equity participation in Azerbaijan’s “Shah Deniz” project.
Tashkent hopes that the agreement with Baku will be signed during the upcoming state visit of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan.
