Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 19 December, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting to discuss the state of the gas extraction industry and measures to increase gas production in 2025.

The chairman of the joint-stock company "Uzbekneftegaz" presented a report on the results of the company’s work in 2024 and outlined the priority tasks for the coming year.

It was noted that to stabilize gas production, work is underway on implementing joint projects with foreign companies. With the involvement of modern technologies, the drilling of new wells and the repair of existing operational wells are planned.

The main issue in the industry was identified as the long-standing insufficient attention to geological exploration, which has led to the near depletion of reserves at certain fields and the low efficiency of others. To address this, geological exploration will begin at 15 prospective sites, and the area of seismic surveys will be expanded to 6,500 square kilometers.

The President instructed the development of a program for the development of geology and the exploration of new fields for 2025, with the participation of large international companies and experts.

The transformation of "Uzbekneftegaz" will continue. Key tasks include reducing production costs and improving the company’s international credit rating. In 2025, international investments are planned to be attracted to finance geological exploration and production projects.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of personnel support for the industry. Instructions were given to improve the quality of training specialists, create conditions for the return of qualified citizens working abroad, and attract foreign experts.

These measures are aimed at ensuring the sustainable development of the gas industry and increasing its contribution to Uzbekistan’s economy.