Natural gas production in Uzbekistan has decreased, while imports have risen sharply

According to the statistical agency under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in March this year, the country produced 4.1 billion cubic meters of gas. This is 12.2% less than in the same period last year.

The reduction in gas production continues for the third month in a row this year. The contraction was 7.5 percent in January and 9 percent in February.

“Unless an extraordinary miracle happens, 5-7 billion cubic meters less gas will be produced in 2023 than last year in 2022, and total gas production may fall to a minimum in the history of Uzbekistan - 45 billion cubic meters. m, and maybe even less," says economist Otabek Bakirov.

While natural gas production is declining, gas imports rose sharply in March. If in January and February gas was imported for $1.7 million, then only in March foreign gas was purchased for $151.2 million.

In just three months, gas was imported in the amount of $152.9 million.