Uzbekistan boosts jet fuel production as Central Asia air traffic soars

Uzbekistan plans to satisfy most of its growing demand for aviation kerosene through domestic production while supplementing supplies with imports from Georgia, Iraq, and other countries, as air traffic across Central Asia continues to expand.

The plans were outlined during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's review of Uzbekneftegaz's performance for the first half of 2026 and its operational targets for the remainder of the year, the presidential press service said.

During the first six months of the year, Uzbekneftegaz produced 11.5 billion cubic metres of natural gas, while output of crude oil, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene, and liquefied petroleum gas exceeded projected levels.

By the end of 2026, the company expects to produce 1.1 million tons of gasoline, 983,000 tons of diesel fuel, 310,000 tons of aviation fuel, 606,000 tons of liquefied petroleum gas, and 1.18 million tons of synthetic products.

With passenger and cargo air traffic increasing across Central Asia, Uzbekistan forecasts that demand for aviation kerosene will rise by 27% to 375,000 tons. Domestic refineries are expected to cover the majority of that demand, with the remaining volumes to be imported from Georgia, Iraq, and other international suppliers.

During the meeting, Mirziyoyev also reviewed plans to modernize Uzbekgeofizika as part of broader efforts to strengthen the country's energy sector and resource exploration capabilities.

The modernization program includes a $38.8 million investment to upgrade equipment and acquire a 3D seismic survey complex. In cooperation with Schlumberger, Uzbekistan is also establishing a data processing centre equipped with a supercomputer and artificial intelligence software to enhance geological exploration.

The initiative is expected to nearly triple the annual area covered by 3D seismic surveys to 5,000 square kilometres, increase exploration depth to 8,000 metres, and raise the number of prospective geological structures identified each year from 19 to 30.

Mirziyoyev instructed officials to ensure an uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to households and industry while accelerating the modernization of the energy sector, improving energy efficiency, and reducing production costs.

By Vafa Guliyeva