Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov announced on the sidelines of the RES 2026 regional environmental summit in Astana that the country is exploring the possibility of exporting crude oil and petroleum products to Uzbekistan. The two nations are actively working to expand energy cooperation, including the transit of Russian gas and oil supplies.

According to the minister, the partnership is based on experience exchange and mutual support, covering not only energy but also other sectors of the economy. He revealed that several major projects are under discussion, particularly in petrochemicals and oil refining. The RES 2026 summit focuses on climate change, water resource management, and sustainable development.

In mid-April, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin announced plans to increase natural gas and oil deliveries to Uzbekistan, reflecting the country's growing energy demand. Uzbekistan's oil and petroleum product imports surged by 42.2% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, reaching $449.1 million, driven by a more than twofold increase in gasoline imports.

Diesel imports rose by 38% in volume (to 125,500 tons) and 33% in value (to $98 million), with the average price dropping from $0.81 to $0.78 per kg. In 2025, Uzbekistan imported a total of $2.01 billion worth of oil and oil products, with petroleum products accounting for $1.33 billion, up 7.4% from 2024.

Data from Kazakhstan's National Statistics Bureau shows that in 2025, Uzbekistan received 39,400 tons of Kazakh crude oil worth $12.7 million, compared to 40,800 tons worth $24.7 million in 2024. However, this is significantly lower than Russian oil supplies: in 2024, Uzbekistan purchased 478,700 tons of Russian oil for $282.9 million. Notably, Kazakh oil is cheaper at $0.56 per kg versus $0.59 for Russian oil.

Source: www.gazeta.uz