Uzbekneftegaz could increase gas production 1.6% to 25.4 bcm in 2026  Uzbekneftegaz, which is Uzbekistan's largest oil and gas company, is expected to produce at least 25.4 billion cubic meters of gas in 2026.Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev set this year's production target, his press service said.The company produced approximately 25 bcm in 2025 and 22.01 bcm in 2024, so the 2026 figure could rise 1.6% after growing 13.6% in 2025.Fitch Ratings said in 2025 that the drop in gas production by Uzbekneftegaz from 2021 to 2023, due to the depletion of key assets, came to a halt in 2024. Fitch expected a gradual but modest increase in production until 2028.Mirziyoyev set the goal of increasing not only production volumes but also natural gas reserves while reviewing Uzbekneftegaz's plans."It was emphasized that the main task of Uzbekneftegaz is to increase natural gas reserves and volumes of its production. It was noted that the company needs to take measures to increase the daily production of gas from 66 million cubic meters to 70 million cubic meters and produce no less than 25.4 billion cubic meters of gas this year," according to the statement.In order to increase gas reserves, it is necessary to develop new prospective investment blocs, as well as accelerate work and increase the effectiveness in some fields provided to the investors.It was also pointed out that 70% of the capacity to produce naphtha was being utilized, and the products are exported 50% cheaper. Considering that the processing of naphtha into polymer products allows for an increase in the added value by 6-fold, instructions were issued to take measures to fully utilize existing capacities.During the meeting, special attention was paid to the issues of combating theft and corruption in oil and gas sector.To prevent corruption risks within the company, a separate position of deputy chairman has been introduced, and a compliance and internal anti-corruption control service has been created. The task has been set to establish an effective system in the industry for the rapid detection and prevention of any violations of the law.The president gave those responsible instructions to deepen the transformation in the oil and gas sector, increase gas reserves and production volumes, and strengthen financial discipline.Uzbekneftegaz is a vertically integrated company that brings together more than 50 specialized organizations, including 13 joint ventures and 10 hydrocarbon production and processing enterprises. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: Interfax