Uzbekistan’s natural gas production falls 25% in June
Uzbekistan produced 18.3 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas in the first half of 2026, down 16.4% compared to the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Committee's industrial production report.
Uzbekistan experienced a significant 25% drop in natural gas production in June, marking the lowest monthly output this year. The decline amounted to nearly 3.6 billion cubic meters (bcm) compared to June 2025, when production stood at 3.4 bcm. Over the first six months of 2024, gas production decreased by 4.2 bcm, or 18.6%. Authorities have not yet provided an explanation for this reduction.
Monthly gas production figures for the first half of 2026 were: 3.7 bcm in January, 3.2 bcm in February, 2.7 bcm in March, 3 bcm in April, 3.2 bcm in May, and 2.5 bcm in June.
Natural gas is a vital strategic resource for Uzbekistan, underpinning its economy, energy security, and foreign trade balance. Official forecasts project Uzbekistan to produce 40.2 bcm of natural gas in 2026. Output is expected to rise in subsequent years, reaching 42.9 bcm in 2027, 44.5 bcm in 2028, 45.5 bcm in 2029, and 48.5 bcm in 2030.
The broader energy sector exhibited mixed trends. Oil production saw a 3.1% decrease, falling from 323,900 tonnes to 313,800 tonnes. Gas condensate output declined by 19.6%, from 575,200 tonnes to 462,100 tonnes, while coal production dropped by 16.6%, from 3 million tonnes to 2.5 million tonnes.
Conversely, the production of refined petroleum products increased. Diesel fuel output rose by 2.1%, from 556,400 tonnes to 568,000 tonnes, and gasoline production climbed by 5.9%, from 579,700 tonnes to 614,200 tonnes.
Electricity generation also expanded, with Uzbekistan producing 44.1 billion kWh in the first half of 2026, an increase from 41.7 billion kWh in the same period of 2025. This growth was primarily attributed to the activation of new generating capacities.
Furthermore, the report indicated that Uzbekistan manufactured 235,794 vehicles during the first six months of the year, an increase of 26,819 units compared to the corresponding period in 2025.