Uzbekistan turns to China to secure long-term jet fuel

Uzbekistan is seeking to establish long-term supplies of Jet A-1 aviation fuel from China as part of efforts to diversify its import sources and strengthen the stability of domestic fuel supplies, Uzbekneftegaz said.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Uzbekneftegaz Management Board Chairman Abdugani Sanginov and a Chinese delegation led by Ambassador to Uzbekistan Yu Jun, Caliber.Az reports, citing Uzbek media.

According to the company, the talks focused on bilateral cooperation, including strategic joint investment projects in the oil and gas sector, as well as new areas of partnership.

Uzbekneftegaz is currently implementing projects with China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), as well as major Chinese companies including CCDC, BGP, Jereh and Honghua. The projects cover geological exploration, well drilling, oilfield services and the deployment of modern technologies.

“One of the main topics of the meeting was the possibility of long-term supplies of Jet A-1 aviation fuel from China in order to diversify imports and establish a stable system to supply aviation fuel to Uzbekistan,” the company said.

The sides also discussed the possibility of the Chinese Embassy in Tashkent facilitating direct cooperation between Uzbekneftegaz and China’s National Aviation Fuel Group (CNAF) and Sinopec.

Following the meeting, the parties affirmed their readiness to expand bilateral cooperation and pursue new investment and technology projects in Uzbekistan’s energy sector.

By Vafa Guliyeva