Uzbekistan doubles gas exports to China in April

From January to April 2025, Uzbekistan exported more natural gas than it imported. Gas imports from Russia and Turkmenistan plunged nearly threefold to $150.5 million. In January, imports totaled $27.8 million, followed by a steep drop to $8 million in February and just $2.7 million in March. However, in April, gas imports rebounded dramatically – rising 41.5 times to $112 million.

In contrast, exports to China saw a significant surge. Gas exports to the country increased by 85%, reaching $199.7 million over the same four-month period. Monthly figures show a sharp rise: $21.8 million in January, $20.2 million in February, $52.3 million in March, and a peak of $105.4 million in April.

Interestingly, China's customs authority reported slightly different figures. According to Beijing, Uzbekistan exported $143 million worth of gas to China between January and April – still more than double the volume over the same period in 2024. China also recorded a steep monthly increase in imports from Uzbekistan, jumping from $21.39 million in March to $72.24 million in April – 6.3 times higher than in April 2024.

Russia continues to lead among gas exporters to China, having supplied $3.32 billion worth of natural gas in the first four months of 2025. Turkmenistan follows with $2.78 billion, trailed by Myanmar ($537.3 million), Kazakhstan ($261.1 million), the United States, and Italy.

Domestic struggles amid surging exports

This sharp increase in gas exports comes against the backdrop of widespread public frustration in Uzbekistan over chronic domestic shortages during the winter months. Citizens in many regions endured long, freezing nights with limited or no gas access, forced to rely on alternative – and often dangerous – methods for heating and cooking.

Despite the reality faced by many households, government officials have been quick to shift the blame onto the public. Alisher Kadirov, a deputy in the Legislative Chamber and leader of the National Revival (Milliy Tiklanish) party, sparked controversy when he remarked, “A nation that uses gas for heating homes and cooking will never prosper.”

In a similar tone, Azim Akhmedkhojaev, head of the Atomic Energy Development Agency (Uzatom), downplayed supply issues and instead criticized what he described as the population’s poor “consumption culture.” He referenced a past statement by former Energy Minister Alisher Sultanov, who once said Uzbekistan’s gas reserves could supply “three Uzbekistans.”

“He was right,” Akhmedkhojaev said. “At first, I didn’t understand why he said that, but then I realized — it was about consumption culture. If not for our deeply ingrained consumption habits, gas would indeed be enough for three Uzbekistans.”