Kazakhstan is looking to deepen energy cooperation with Uzbekistan, with several joint projects already moving into the implementation stage, Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov said on the sidelines of the RES 2026 regional environmental summit in Astana, according to BAQ.KZ.
“Exchange of experience and mutual assistance help us solve practical tasks,” Akkenzhenov said. “We are actively cooperating with our partners not only in the energy sector, but across all areas of the economy.”
The minister noted that discussions with Uzbekistan cover a number of large-scale initiatives, particularly in petrochemicals and oil refining. “We have many joint projects with Uzbekistan. A recent presidential visit included discussions on numerous initiatives, including the development of the petrochemical industry and the expansion of oil processing,” he said.
Cooperation is also expanding in energy transit and supply. Akkenzhenov said the two countries are working closely on the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan, as well as supplies of Russian oil. “We are also considering the possibility of exporting Kazakh products, including crude oil and petroleum products, to Uzbekistan,” he added.
According to him, several of these initiatives have already reached the implementation stage. “Many projects are already in practical phases. Overall, we have built very close cooperation with our Uzbek partners,” he said.
Last year, Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry confirmed that a six-month ban on fuel exports remained in force, halting gasoline shipments to neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan.
At the same time, international developments may affect regional supply routes. According to Reuters, Russia plans to halt the transit of Kazakh oil to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline starting May 1. The decision is expected to impact deliveries to the PCK refinery in Schwedt, a key supplier for Berlin and Brandenburg.
Despite these changes, German officials have said alternative supply routes will be used and that fuel availability will not be affected.
