In January-August, Uzbekistan imported $1.15 billion worth of gas, the Agency of Statistics said in a report. This is 5.7 times more (in value terms) than in the first eight months of 2023, when the volume of gas exports topped $201.8 million. This also exceeds the total volume of gas imports in 2023 ($694.9 million).
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, imports of Uzbek gas year-to-date was at $401.5 million, which is 4.8% more than the eight-month figure for 2023 ($383 million). In January, China imported gas from Uzbekistan for $38.8 million, in February — for $18.6 million, in April — for $11.4 million, in May — for $85 million, in June — for $81.1 million, in July for $69.2 million. Physical volumes are also not disclosed.
In August, imports of Uzbek gas reached $97.37 million, which is 25% more than in August 2023 ($77.83 million). This is the highest monthly volume since October 2022, when gas for $148.5 million was supplied.
The volume of gas production in the eight months topped 29.9 BCM, which is 4.6%, or 1.46 BCM, less than in the same period last year.
Since October 2023, Uzbekistan has been importing gas from Russia through Kazakhstan in reverse mode. Plans were reported to invest $500 million to modernize the main gas system to increase the volume of gas imports from the Russian Federation. The project was called important in ensuring the country's energy security, additional gas volumes to cover seasonal uneven consumption and diversification of guaranteed sources of gas supplies.
