Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- Kazakhstan is interested in increasing the transit of Russian gas through its territory to Uzbekistan, but this will require modernization of the republic’s gas transportation system. This was announced by the Minister of Energy of Kazakhstan Almasadam Satkaliev.

The minister noted that Kazakhstan has plans to modernize its gas transportation system. Currently, the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan in the amount of 3.8 billion cubic meters is planned. However, to increase supplies to 11 billion cubic meters, significant infrastructure modernization will be required, TASS reports.

Almasadam Satkaliev emphasized that Kazakhgas is ready to make the necessary investments. This project is beneficial for Kazakhstan not only due to transit revenues, but also by ensuring parity. “We always agree that Kazakh consumers can receive the appropriate volume of gas,” he explained.

On 27 May, Russian President Vladimir Putin, following negotiations with Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, announced that work was underway to expand the capacity of the Central Asia - Center pipeline system. This will allow increasing the volume of gas pumped to Uzbekistan from 3 billion to 11 billion cubic meters by 2025.