First Deputy Minister of Energy of Russia Pavel Sorokin spoke about the discussion of increasing Russian gas supplies to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan , Rossiyskaya Gazeta reports.
“Gazprom already has existing contracts under which gas is supplied to these countries. An increase in supply volumes is indeed being discussed, and the first results are already there,” Sorokin shared.
However, he noted that it is “still premature” to talk about gas transit to China. But, of course, expanding infrastructure and deepening gas ties will benefit everyone, explained the First Deputy Minister of Energy.
“The Central Asian republics, firstly, are guaranteed to be able to meet their peak periods of domestic gas demand. And, secondly, this will allow them to fulfill their export contractual obligations. And for Russia, this is expanding ties with our partners. And, of course, again diversification of supply directions,” Sorokin added.
Let us recall that in January 2023, the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan signed a roadmap for cooperation in the gas industry with the Russian Gazprom. In accordance with it, technical measures and studies necessary for the transit of gas through the Central Asia – Center gas pipeline passing through the territory of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were agreed upon.
In addition, in May of this year, NC QazaqGaz JSC and Gazprom PJSC signed an agreement on the transportation of natural gas through Kazakhstan for consumers in Uzbekistan. It was also reported that Kazakhstan plans to begin transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan from October 2023.
Source: aktualno