Uzbekistan holds sufficient petroleum product reserves to last for the next two to three months. First Deputy Minister of Energy Umid Mamadaminov told the Uzbekistan 24 TV channel following the government meeting with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to Mamadaminov, the oil and gas sector plays a critical role in safeguarding the nation's energy security. Consequently, preparations for the autumn-winter season and the accumulation of crude oil and petroleum reserves must be planned well in advance.
"We can see for ourselves that in the current geopolitical climate, the energy security of other nations is also facing threats. Therefore, it is vital not only to build up stockpiles of petroleum products but also to expand the facilities that produce them," the First Deputy Minister stated.
Umid Mamadaminov noted that Uzbekistan's domestic production of petroleum products currently exceeds 1.2 million tons. Furthermore, private companies import an additional 600,000 to 700,000 tons.
"Through this combination, our entire demand for petroleum products is fully met," he declared.
The First Deputy Minister added that the presentation before the head of state covered strategic development within the oil and gas industry, winterization preparations, and the adequacy of fuel reserves.
"We have a dedicated plan in place for the autumn-winter season. Ample reserves have been established. Factoring in our domestic output, we produce over 100,000 tons of products. I can confidently state that our stockpiles are sufficient to carry us through the next two to three months," he concluded.
Umid Mamadaminov stated that the Ministry of Energy has developed standalone preparation plans for the autumn-winter season, specifically focusing on fuel supplies and logistics. According to him, the Minister of Energy chairs weekly meetings dedicated to these areas.
"We are also closely examining electricity and gas supplies, as well as the broader fuel network, reviewing them every single week to establish a clear roadmap," the First Deputy Minister said.
He added that following the briefing, the President issued specific directives to guarantee uninterrupted electricity, gas, and fuel supplies for the population throughout the autumn-winter period.
"The Ministry of Energy, alongside its subsidiary organizations, has defined specific goals and countermeasures for these sectors. We have calculated exact figures regarding emergency response crews, reserve stockpiles, and other operational needs," Umid Mamadaminov declared.
"I am confident that by working alongside our subsidiaries, provincial authorities, and representatives from other sectors, we will navigate the autumn-winter season smoothly without any supply disruptions," the First Deputy Minister of Energy concluded.
Despite these assurances, domestic production data reveals emerging challenges. Gasoline output over the first five months of the year rose by 2.9% to 502,200 tons. However, May's automotive gasoline production fell to 84,700 tons—a 13.7% drop compared to May of last year. This marks the lowest monthly output since May 2023 (46,200 tons), a period when production plummeted due to scheduled maintenance at the Bukhara Oil Refinery. This time, no refinery maintenance was reported. For comparison, domestic refineries produced 104,300 tons of gasoline in April.
The regional fuel landscape is also heavily constrained by external factors. Russia's ongoing fuel crisis is due to Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil infrastructure, forcing the country to ramp up foreign gasoline purchases. Russia has reportedly started importing gasoline from India and Belarus, while also negotiating with Kazakhstan to buy 50,000 tons of fuel.
Disruptions in the Russian market have sent ripples across Central Asia. In July, Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Energy reached out to Belarus, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other nations, requesting assistance to maintain stable fuel supplies. Statistical data shows that roughly 98,500% of Kyrgyzstan's gasoline is sourced directly from Russia.
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