Abdugani Sanginov, named as the chairman of Uzbekneftegaz by the president, was officially introduced to the company's staff, the company's press service said today.
The introductory meeting took place at the company headquarters chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister/Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov.
Reportedly, at the meeting, the Deputy PM criticized the state of affairs in the sector, where, despite the conditions and opportunities created for the comprehensive development of the industry and its advancement to a new stage, the target results had still not been achieved.
To address this issue, he gave directives to elevate geological exploration and production operations to a new level, as well as to review activities in each area using rigorous and effective steps.
Abdugani Sanginov has also been tasked with shaping the company's structure based on international standards, implementing new management approaches, and focusing strategic projects on achieving practical results. He was requested to analyze the format of interactions with foreign partners and improve the efficiency of financial resource use.
The new chairman is expected to take a responsible approach to each directive, ensure order and discipline in his work, and ensure the completion of assigned tasks.
Abdugani Sanginov announced plans to promptly outline a new transformation strategy for Uzbekneftegaz and, together with the team, ensure the stabilization of gas production and the achievement of systemic results in the industry.
The Deputy Prime Minister announced that, at the directive of the President, the position of a Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance for Oil and Gas has been created to improve governance in the oil and gas sector. This position will be held by the Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Khurshed Mustafayev.
This move is expected to facilitate systemic reforms in the industry.
Earlier Abdugani Sanginov replaced Bakhodir Sidikov as chief of Uzbekneftegaz, the largest gas producing company in Uzbekistan.
According to the Energy Institute, Uzbekistan’s confirmed natural gas reserves in 2024 stood at 1.97 trillion cubic meters. However, production has been declining in recent years—44.6 billion cubic meters in 2024 (32.2 billion cubic meters in the first nine months of 2025, -4.4%). Compared to 2019 (59.4 billion), the decline was 14.9 billion cubic meters.
For the first 10 months of this year, production topped 35.5 billion cubic meters (-4.8%, or 1.8 billion less).
Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov previously announced that Uzbekistan aimed to stabilize its long-term decline in gas production in 2026 by developing new fields. A new field in the Muynak district, where the country's highest-flowing well has been drilled, should help achieve this.
