The Russian Gazprom Neft is exploring the possibility of implementing new projects in Uzbekistan, including the construction of a gas stations network, TASS reported with reference to the Gazprom Neft CEO, Alexander Dyukov.

“We are already working in Uzbekistan, supplying oil and oil products there - gasoline, diesel fuel, lubricants and bitumen materials. Now we are discussing the possibility of implementing some more projects in Uzbekistan, including, among other things, the possibility of building a network of gas stations under our brand,” he told the Russian Energy Week.

Dyukov noted that Uzbekistan is demonstrating rapid economic growth and increasing its consumption of oil products. “This is a promising market, in which, of course, it is right to be present,” he said.

Gazprom Neft also intends to continue cooperation with Uzbekistan in the field of technologies in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons.

“Using our digital solutions, we helped open a drilling management center in Uzbekistan, which has significantly reduced the time and cost of well construction at fields in the republic,” the head of the company said.

Today, Russian companies Lukoil and Tatneft have their own gas stations in Uzbekistan. In early January, the Ministry of Energy announced plans to attract Tatneft, Lukoil, Gazpromneft, and Saneg, which have raw materials and processing capacities, to build more than 80 new gas stations along main highways throughout Uzbekistan. Out of these, Saneg is expected to build 59 gas stations, and the other companies - 27. A separate government resolution was made in this area, the Ministry of Energy underscored. In mid-May, Uzbekneftegaz, with the support of Gazprom Neft, opened a Drilling Management Center, which allows for a 45% cut in well drilling time and a 35% reduction in construction costs. The company signed two contracts with the supplier for $4.45 million and $243.3 thousand.