No disruptions are anticipated
After the gas pipeline explosion, disruptions were expected, but Uzbekistan reported unexpected news about supplies
No Disruption Expected
Despite a major accident on the Central Asia – Center main gas pipeline in the Penza region, Russian gas exports to Uzbekistan are proceeding without interruption. Official Tashkent confirmed that the incident on Russian territory has not affected either the implementation of intergovernmental agreements or existing commercial contracts.
The pipeline explosion occurred on October 13 near the village of Volchkovo. The accident was accompanied by intense flare burning, with flames reaching heights of up to 70 meters. Russian emergency services quickly shut off the damaged section. According to preliminary data, no one was killed or injured.
At a press conference in Tashkent dedicated to energy reforms, representatives of relevant agencies moved to reassure business and the public. Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan Khurshed Mustafaev noted that deliveries are being made on time and in full. "Deliveries are being carried out in a timely manner in accordance with the terms of the contract concluded between the two companies," Mustafaev stated.
This gas transportation system is a critically important infrastructure facility about 5,000 kilometers long. It connects fields in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan with Russian capacities and export routes. For Uzbekistan, the uninterrupted operation of this pipeline is of key importance for energy security, especially against the backdrop of growing domestic consumption.
Statistics for 2026 show a noticeable dependence of Uzbekistan's energy balance on external supplies. In the first eight months of the current year, purchases of blue fuel from Russia and Turkmenistan increased significantly:
- Total gas import volume: reached $1.21 billion, which is 15.2% higher than the figures for the same period last year.
- Liquefied gas (including propane): purchases increased by 3.5 times, totaling $124.3 million.
- Seasonal surge: in August, spending on imports of natural and liquefied gas amounted to $206.1 million, compared to $38.3 million in July.
Such a sharp increase in purchases in monetary terms in late summer may be related both to preparations for the heating season and to changes in market pricing or pumping volumes for the republic's industrial needs. Maintaining stable transit following the accident in the Penza region makes it possible to avoid a shortage of resources on Uzbekistan's domestic market.