Natural gas extraction at major fields operated by Uzbekneftegaz continues to experience a steady decline due to the critical depletion of reserves, with certain facilities showing depletion rates exceeding 80 percent. Newly introduced wells are reportedly failing to offset the mounting production deficit. This was announced by the company's chief geologist, Nodir Muhiddinov, during a recent press briefing.

According to the results for January through September, Uzbekneftegaz and its subsidiary enterprises produced approximately 17 billion cubic meters of gas. By the end of the year, the company projects output to reach 22.8 billion cubic meters, down from 25.2 billion cubic meters in the previous year. This reflects an annual production contraction of roughly 9.5 percent, while a daily shortfall of about 5 million cubic meters remains uncompensated despite ongoing technical interventions.

In an attempt to stabilize production levels, the company has undertaken major overhauls and repairs on dozens of wells and plans to install compressor stations to maintain pressure. However, exploration efforts are shifting toward more challenging and expensive frontiers such as the Ustyurt region, where operations now require drilling at depths exceeding 5,000 meters under extreme pressure and high-temperature conditions, driving up operational costs significantly.

This downward trajectory mirrors broader structural challenges across the entire national energy sector. Official statistics indicate that nationwide natural gas production for the first nine months fell by 16.4 percent compared to the previous year. Observers note that ambitious government targets set earlier for the sector are proving increasingly difficult to achieve, casting doubt on long-term energy forecasts.

Source: www.gazeta.uz