BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 3. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the performance of state energy company Uzbekneftegaz for the first half of 2026 and outlined priorities for the remainder of the year, including boosting fuel production, modernizing exploration capabilities and ensuring stable supplies of petroleum products.
This was reflected in the statement by the press service of the Uzbek president.
According to the report presented to the president, Uzbekneftegaz produced 11.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas during the first six months of the year. Output of crude oil, diesel fuel, aviation kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) exceeded forecast levels.
The company plans to produce 1.1 million metric tons of gasoline, 983,000 tons of diesel fuel, 310,000 tons of aviation kerosene, 606,000 tons of LPG and nearly 1.18 million tons of synthetic products by the end of 2026.
"The president instructed officials to ensure the stable and uninterrupted supply of petroleum products to the population and key sectors of the economy," the presidential press service said in a statement.
The report noted that geopolitical tensions have led to an increase in international flights through Central Asia, driving higher demand for aviation fuel in Uzbekistan. Demand for aviation kerosene during the second half of 2026 is projected to reach 375,000 tons, up 27% from the same period last year.
Most of that demand is expected to be met by domestic refineries. At the same time, Uzbekistan has diversified imports of aviation fuel following export restrictions introduced by some partner countries, securing supplies from alternative sources including Georgia, Iraq and other countries.
The president was also briefed on plans to modernize Uzbekgeofizika, with $38.8 million allocated to upgrade geophysical equipment, purchase a modern 3D seismic survey complex and improve subsurface exploration capabilities.
Officials also reported on a joint project with U.S.-based Schlumberger to establish a seismic data processing center equipped with a high-performance supercomputer, new software and artificial intelligence technologies to improve seismic analysis.
According to the presentation, the modernization program will increase annual 3D seismic surveys from 1,800 square kilometers to 5,000 square kilometers, while extending exploration depth from 4,500 meters to 8,000 meters. The number of prospective geological structures prepared for exploration is expected to rise from 19 to 30 annually.
The plans also include wider use of high-temperature and high-pressure well construction materials, ultrasonic well logging, real-time geophysical monitoring and horizontal drilling technologies to improve drilling efficiency and hydrocarbon recovery.
Mirziyoyev also instructed officials to continue the technological modernization of the oil and gas sector, improve energy efficiency, reduce production costs and strengthen oversight of the implementation of planned measures.
