Uzbekistan launches World Bank-backed project to cut gas leaks

Uzbekistan is launching a World Bank-backed project to identify and eliminate gas leaks, reduce methane emissions and modernise its gas infrastructure.

A $10.6 million grant has been allocated to the project, which will run from 2026 to 2028. The measures were approved under Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 444 dated August 18, according to UzDaily.

The largest share of the funding, $9.6 million, will be used to reduce gas losses. Another $500,000 will support the monitoring and reporting system, while a further $500,000 will fund the project implementation team and the involvement of foreign experts.

Previous inspections of facilities operated by Uztransgaz identified more than 1,000 gas leak points, with total losses estimated at up to 35 million cubic meters.

By Sabina Mammadli