The transition to wholesale markets for electricity and natural gas is a key part of Uzbekistan’s broader energy reforms. The country aims to finalize the shift to the wholesale electricity market by 2027, with the natural gas wholesale market following in 2028. These reforms are designed to increase efficiency and attract more companies into the sector.

“We plan to complete the transition to the wholesale natural gas market by 2028, and to the electricity market by 2027. Gas production will be handled by our companies, within the framework of product sharing agreements. There are also new smaller companies working in this area,” Kuchkarov said.

The minister also highlighted the government's strategy to introduce a public-private partnership (PPP) model in gas distribution networks. This approach is expected to further improve efficiency and curb natural gas losses. A pilot project for this program is already underway in the Bukhara region.

“We have adopted a program to transfer gas distribution networks to a public-private partnership model as part of our reforms to increase efficiency and reduce natural gas losses. A similar project is being prepared in Bukhara, and we hope it will help to prevent gas losses,” he added.

Kuchkarov pointed out that Uzbekistan consumes nearly as much natural gas as Turkey, which uses approximately 63 billion cubic meters of gas annually. However, Uzbekistan’s population and economy are considerably smaller than Turkey’s, underscoring the need for efficiency improvements in gas consumption.