Uzbekneftegaz and CNPC discuss fuel supplies and M-25 accident response

Uzbekneftegaz Chairman Abdugani Sanginov met on 20 October with a delegation of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) led by Director General Zhou Xinhuai, according to the Uzbek company's press service. Talks covered cooperation in geological exploration, drilling, seismic research, gas production efficiency, digitalisation and equipment supplies. The company says total cooperation with CNPC exceeds $1 billion, but gives no breakdown.

A key topic was the accident at the M-25 «25 Years of Independence» gas field in Baysun district, Surkhandarya region. Planned measures include drilling special relief wells to halt the uncontrolled gas release. Sanginov said in June that CCDC, a CNPC unit, had been engaged to eliminate the consequences of the accident, which is planned to be fully resolved in the first half of 2027.

Talks also addressed diversifying fuel supplies, including possible long-term Jet A-1 jet fuel imports from China, though the company has not specified products, volumes or contracts. Proposals included opening a permanent CNPC representative office in Tashkent and supporting the Tashkent branch of the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas.