State-owned energy enterprise Uzbekneftgaz is reportedly bracing for a substantial reduction in its natural gas extraction capabilities. According to official disclosures, the company's gas production volume by the end of 2026 is projected to reach merely 22.8 billion cubic meters, highlighting mounting structural challenges within the national resource sector.

The figures were revealed by Suhrob Khamroev, the first deputy chairman of the company, during an interview with the 'Uzbekistan 24' television channel following a high-level government meeting on October 6. Khamroev attempted to frame the output trajectory positively, asserting that industrial production targets would allegedly be fulfilled completely by the close of the period.

However, a closer examination reveals a noticeable discrepancy between the revised figures and the original strategic roadmap. Under the initial blueprint presented back in January, Uzbekneftgaz was supposed to extract at least 25.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2026. The newly announced target thus represents a sharp 9.5 percent decrease compared to earlier official expectations.

This downward revision points to persistent difficulties in maintaining legacy production levels amid depleting reserves. For context, the company previously reported extracting 25.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas in 2025, underscoring the growing strain on Uzbekistan's domestic energy infrastructure and supply sustainability.

Source: kun.uz