Why is this important
For Uzbekistan — a country with a growing demand for energy, especially during the winter season — additional imports ensure the stability of gas supply. For Russia, this is a way to strengthen energy ties with Central Asia and increase exports to neighboring markets amid declining supplies to Europe.
Main facts
- The new contract provides for the supply of 7.7 billion cubic meters of gas per year — 2 billion cubic meters more than in 2024.
- The ministerial meeting was held on October 16 at the events of the Russian Energy Week;
- The ministerial meeting was held on October 16 at the events of the Russian Energy Week;
- Russia and Uzbekistan are discussing the possibility of further increasing supplies, including LNG;
- Gas will be supplied through the route through Kazakhstan (transit) — this route has been operating since October 2023;
- According to interregional sources, transit through Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan may increase to 7.3 billion cubic meters in 2025.
- It is also known that Russia has increased gas supplies to Central Asia (including Uzbekistan) by 15% since the beginning of 2025.
Context and risks
Uzbekistan has already agreed to import 2.8 billion cubic meters of gas through the overturned CAC pipeline and intends to expand cooperation. At the same time, Uzbekistan announced plans to increase Russian gas supplies through Kazakhstan to 11 billion cubic meters by 2038.
With increasing dependence on Russian gas, energy and geopolitical risks are intensifying. Gas prices, contract terms, and the ability to cover transit and logistics costs will be critical factors in project sustainability.
