Russia boosts gas exports to Central Asia by 22%

In 2025, Russia’s exports of natural gas to Central Asian countries rose by 22.2 per cent. The main share of this growth came from Uzbekistan, which remains the region’s key consumer of Russian fuel.

According to Russian media, citing the supplier company’s press service, Uzbekistan has been steadily expanding its purchases. After becoming a net gas importer in 2023, the country began receiving raw materials through the Central Asia–Center pipeline, which was switched to reverse-flow mode.

The supply dynamics demonstrate a multi-fold increase: while in 2023 deliveries amounted to 1.28 billion cubic meters, in 2024 they rose to 5.64 billion. According to forecasts from Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy, flows to Uzbekistan may reach 6 billion cubic meters in 2025.

Rising demand for Russian gas has also been recorded among neighbouring states in the region:

Kazakhstan: fuel is used to meet the needs of the West Kazakhstan, Kostanay and Aktobe regions. Projects to expand gasification to the country’s northern regions are currently under consideration.

Kyrgyzstan: annual consumption stands at around 500 million cubic meters. Long-term contracts valid until 2040 are in place to meet the needs of new capacities at CHP-2 and the Bishkekselmash CHP plant.

Despite increased imports, Uzbekistan plans to strengthen its own energy base. Earlier, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the government to take measures to raise domestic gas production to 25.4 billion cubic meters per year.

By Tamilla Hasanova