Uzbekneftegaz is negotiating with Chinese partners to obtain AI-92 and higher quality gasoline, diesel fuel, as well as to increase the import of crude oil and gas condensate for processing at the Bukhara Oil Refinery. This initiative was reported by Farid Muminov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz, during a press conference held on October 27.
According to Muminov, the company is studying new markets for fuel procurement to reduce its dependence on current supply channels and ensure uninterrupted supply to the domestic market. He emphasized that diversification of imports is being considered to eliminate and prevent risks associated with the stability of petroleum product supplies to the population.
Muminov specified that negotiations are being conducted, in particular, with PetroChina, which is a subsidiary of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC). The deputy chairman of the company stated that discussions covered the supply of petroleum products, including diesel fuel and gasoline, as well as increasing the import of crude oil and condensate for processing at the Bukhara Oil Refinery.
The main focus of the negotiations is on gasoline with an octane rating of 92 or higher. Thus, the discussion covers both the purchase of finished fuel for domestic market needs and the supply of raw materials for its processing directly within Uzbekistan. Muminov added that the final volumes of future supplies will depend on domestic demand, and the negotiation process is ongoing.
When asked about the connection between diversification plans and the situation in the Russian fuel market, the company representative declined to give a direct confirmation, limiting himself to explaining the need to minimize risks to the country's petroleum product supply.
Earlier, on October 20, the Chairman of the Board of Uzbekneftegaz, Abdugani Sanginov, held a meeting with a delegation from CNPC led by President Zhou Xinhuai. The parties reviewed prospects for concluding long-term contracts for the supply of petroleum products to the domestic market of Uzbekistan, as well as expanding cooperation in the oil and gas industry and accelerating the implementation of joint projects.
According to Uzbekneftegaz data, the total volume of interaction with CNPC has exceeded $1 billion. This amount includes not only the purchase of petroleum products but also service services and joint ventures. At this meeting, areas such as geological exploration, well drilling, seismic surveys, improving gas production efficiency, digitalization, and the supply of modern equipment were also discussed. In these areas, Uzbekneftegaz cooperates with companies Xibu, BGP, CCDC, and CNLC, which are part of the CNPC structure.
Negotiations with Chinese companies are taking place against the backdrop of declining volumes of imported gasoline and a simultaneous rise in its prices in Uzbekistan. According to 'Gazeta', based on data from the Customs Committee, from January to August 2026, Uzbekistan imported 721.5 million liters of gasoline, which is 41.2% higher than the figure for the same period last year. Meanwhile, the cost of these supplies increased even more—by 48.6%, reaching $437.4 million.
However, after April, monthly imports showed a sharp decline. If about 141.8 million liters of gasoline entered the country in April, the figure was 72 million in May, 50.7 million in June, 18.6 million in July, and only 11.4 million in August. Thus, in August, the import volume was more than twelve times less than in April, and compared to August of last year, supplies decreased by 76.8%.
Concurrently, there was a significant increase in the average price of imported fuel. According to 'Gazeta' calculations, the average price in April was about $576 per 1000 liters, while in August it approached $995. This represents an increase of approximately 73% over four months. The reduction in supplies led to an increase in gasoline prices in the domestic market. According to the National Statistical Committee, in August, average gasoline prices rose by 1.9% during the month and by 20.2% year-on-year.
In September, the Ministry of Energy explained the sharp drop in imports by citing the shutdown of oil refineries in Russia. The department reported that since '85–90% of imports came from Russia', the plant closures led to a sharp reduction in imports. At that time, state bodies had already begun working on finding alternative supply routes for fuel, including Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Belarus. Russia was also imposing restrictions on the export of gasoline and other petroleum products, although the Ministry of Energy had previously stated that these bans should not affect supplies to Uzbekistan under intergovernmental agreements.
