Uzbekistan's president asks officials to tighten control of oil and gas production and supply

TASHKENT. Aug 11 (Interfax) - Uzbekistan will tighten control of the oil and gas market to ensure undisrupted supply to the domestic market and avoid unjustified prices, the president's press office said.

"President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed measures to ensure stability in the oil and gas market and uninterrupted supplies of hydrocarbon resources to economic sectors and households. A presentation reviewed the state of oil and gas production, imports, processing, storage and supply to consumers," the press office said.

The need to accurately assess the requirements of industries and regions, prioritize domestic demand, and strictly adhere to supply schedules was emphasized, as was the importance of establishing daily oversight of all processes, from drilling wells to connecting them to the gas transmission system.

Particular attention was paid to ensuring a steady supply of raw materials to oil and gas enterprises, making efficient use of existing capacity, and increasing the production of goods in high demand on the domestic market.

To maintain price stability, the importance of ensuring adequate market supply, offering products for trading on the commodity exchange in line with demand, and reducing production and logistics costs was emphasized. The president instructed responsible officials to establish effective oversight to prevent unjustified restrictions on resource supplies, artificial shortages and actions aimed at driving up prices.

"JSC Uzbekneftegaz was tasked with ensuring full compliance with the established oil and gas production targets in order to maintain the balance between supply and demand in the domestic market, prevent disruptions in hydrocarbon supplies, and avoid unjustified price increases," the press service said.

Officials were instructed to analyze domestic market demand on a daily basis, identify potential supply risks in advance and take timely measures to address them.