Uzbekistan's gas exports from January to November amounted to $624.1 million, a 5.2% increase in value compared to the same period last year, according to data from the National Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, Gazeta.uz reports.
In November, Uzbekistan exported $55.9 million worth of gas, 5.5% more than the $53 million in November 2024.
Meanwhile, the General Administration of Customs of China reported $741.4 million in Uzbek gas imports for the 11 months, an 11% increase compared to the $667.3 million in January to November 2024.
The difference between Uzbekistan and China's gas export figures is $117.3 million. The difference is even greater if gas exports to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are included.
In November, according to Chinese data, gas exports totaled $44.78 million, 1.8 times less than the previous year's figure ($79.4 million).
According to the National Statistics Committee, Uzbekistan has imported $1.46 billion worth of gas since the beginning of the year (-1.2%). Supplies increased sharply in November to $334.3 million, 1.8 times more than in November last year ($186.8 million).
Comment from the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan
At a press conference on October 28, Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov commented that gas exports are not conducted in winter, especially during cold weather, and are entirely used for domestic needs. In summer, only the surplus remaining after domestic demand is met is exported.
"Our priority is to provide gas to the population and industry. If domestic demand needs to be met, exports are completely halted," he emphasized.
Previously, Uzbekistan did export gas in winter. In 2020, Prime Minister Aripov announced plans to completely phase out exports by 2025, diverting gas for processing. In 2022, the former head of Uztransgaz clarified that exports could cease in 2025–2026, when 10% of gas went to China.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
December 29, 2025