Introduction
The oil and gas industry of Uzbekistan is presently one of the most dynamic ones in Central Asia. Recent developments are shaping new opportunities for large, medium and small oil and gas players that could profit from taking a proactive position in the oil and gas sector of the country.
On the post-Soviet territory Uzbekistan takes respectively the fourth and third places by proven reserves of oil (599 million barrels) and gas (1.85 tcm). The country strives to ensure sustainable production growth by attracting more international investors and easing tax burdens for them. Since 2004 Uzbekistan has successfully distributed 18 oil and gas investment blocks, mostly to Russian and Chinese companies. 11 more await their turn.
LUKOIL has 5 investment blocks in the country and plans to extract around 10 bcm of natural gas by 2010. Gazprom has acquired exploration and production licenses for 7 investment blocks and has already started production at the Shakhpakhty field with expected volumes of 500 million cubic meters to 2010. Chinese CNPC is currently conducting geologic exploration at 4 investment blocks with scheduled annual production of up to 6 bcm of natural gas by 2012.
At the same time Uzbekistan plans to maximize investment in exploration and production. Annual exploration drilling volumes set by 2012 are ambitious and should reach 220,000 meters from the current 10,000. In August 2006, LUKOIL Overseas, Uzbekneftegaz, Petronas Carigali Overseas (Malaysia), CNPC International (China) and KNOC Aral (Republic of Korea) established a consortium to explore and develop hydrocarbon resources of the Aral Sea with approximate expected investments for geologic exploration alone of up to $100 million. Expected growth of drilling activities opens exciting opportunities for oilfield service providers and equipment producers.
Uzbekistan is becoming an increasingly important gas exporter. Exports of natural gas from the country increased 9 times in the period of 2002-2006 from 1.4 bcm to 12.65 bcm annually. The volumes are expected to grow further and reach 18 bcm by 2010.
Downstream developments in Uzbekistan are also on the rise. By 2011 production of LPG will increase to 615,000 tons per year, almost triple of the current figure.
Oil and Gas of Uzbekistan is the most comprehensive up-to-date analysis of the oil and gas industry in the country. The study dwells in detail on:
* current status of the oil and gas industry in the country
* state strategy on foreign investors' access to hydrocarbon reserves and further development of the oil and gas industry
* activities of international players in Uzbekistan's upstream and downstream sectors
* projects carried out jointly by Uzbekneftegaz holding and international partners
Oil and Gas of Uzbekistan provides forecasts on oil and gas production, as well as outlook for imports of crude and exports of natural gas from the country to 2020.
Oil and Gas of Uzbekistan is an important source of analysis for:
* oil and gas operators
* contractors and equipment suppliers
* oilfield service providers
* engineering and construction companies
* transportation companies
* traders
* investment and banking institutions
* consultancies; financial advisors
