Uzbekistan is expected to see the largest growth in gas consumption, with a projected increase from 3 billion cubic meters to 12 billion cubic meters per year. The main factors driving this growth are the increase in population, industrial development, and a reduction in domestic methane production.
Kazakhstan is also counting on an increase in supplies of Russian gas, which could reach 10 billion cubic meters by 2026. This will help stabilize the energy balance and meet the needs of industry and the housing and utilities sector. Additionally, Kazakhstan plays the role of a transit country, providing gas supplies to Uzbekistan and potentially to Kyrgyzstan.
Experts emphasize that the increase in supplies to Central Asia is a strategic response to the reduction of gas exports to Europe in recent years. After decreasing volumes to western markets, Gazprom is looking for new sales directions while simultaneously maintaining the load of its gas transportation system.
Since the beginning of 2025, Russia has already increased gas supplies to Uzbekistan by 15% compared to the previous year, driven by growing demand in the energy sector and industry. In 2024, Gazprom exported about 5.64 billion cubic meters to Uzbekistan, significantly exceeding the volumes of the previous year when supplies were just starting.
The growth in gas consumption in Central Asia is also linked to the economic development of the region. International analysts predict that the economies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan will grow by 50-60% over the next 5-6 years. This will directly impact the demand for natural gas as an energy source and raw material for production. Long-term plans include the development of transit infrastructure through Kazakhstan, where the volumes of Russian gas supplies could reach 11 billion cubic meters per year by 2038. This will ensure logistics optimization and reliable gas transit for Central Asia.
