Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The Russian Gazprom is actively developing new possible routes and parameters for gas supplies to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Alexander Sternik, director of the third department of the CIS countries of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

“As for modernization, it is already underway: at the request of our partners, the Soviet gas pipeline system “Central Asia - Center”, through our joint efforts, received a “second life” with the launch of reverse gas pumping through the territory of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. Their growing economies need additional energy resources,” he noted.

According to the diplomat, advanced Russian technologies were used during the modernization of this system. Currently, Gazprom is working on new possible routes and parameters for gas supply, he said.

On 7 October 2023, Gazprom began gas supplies to Uzbekistan through the territory of Kazakhstan to cover part of the gas shortage in the republic during the autumn-winter period.

The gas purchase contract was concluded for two years. The volume of purchases will be 9 million cubic meters per day, which is about 2.8 billion cubic meters per year.

Uzbekistan is showing interest in increasing imports of natural gas from Russia and intends to develop cooperation in this area on a long-term basis. According to statements by the head of Gazprom, Alexey Miller, the company is discussing cooperation with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for 15 years and plans to expand gas supplies through the Central Asia - Center gas pipeline system.