Russia has initiated the supply of natural gas to Central Asia, specifically targeting Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. The official launch ceremony was attended by President Vladimir Putin, alongside counterparts Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Shavkat Mirzoyev of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, respectively. Putin emphasized the mutual benefits of the project, highlighting its significance in enhancing energy security in the region.
Russia’s Gas Deal: Central Asia Energy Boost
The primary focus of the gas deliveries is directed towards Uzbekistan, with some diversion to the north-eastern regions of Kazakhstan, sharing a border with Russia. During the launch ceremony, Putin outlined the advantages for all three countries involved. Uzbekistan stands to gain an additional energy source, ensuring a continuous supply of heat and electricity to households and vital facilities. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan can address the gasification needs of its northern and eastern regions, with Gazprom already strategizing suitable routes and parameters for gas supply.
Putin emphasized that the project aims to solidify Russia’s reputation as a reliable natural gas supplier and suggested the potential expansion of the project to include additional buyers in the future.
He expressed openness to further cooperation, stating the intention to meet the energy needs of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other interested consumers.
Read:What role can a crm play in effective martech stack?The historical significance of the project was underscored by Putin, noting that it marked the first-ever export of Russian gas towards Central Asia through these gas pipeline systems.
The agreement between Russia and Uzbekistan was established in June, with Gazprom committed to supplying 2.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually over the next two years through the Central Asia-Center (CAC) pipeline, a reversed Soviet-era conduit connecting Central Asia to Russia.
Read:How can the extensibility of a platform benefit a business?The deal also involved Gazprom’s agreement with Kazakhstan’s QazaqGaz for the transit of gas to Uzbekistan, potentially paving the way for other Central Asian countries to import Russian gas through this route, as suggested by analysts.
