President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has given directives to ensure Uzbekistan’s maximum energy independence, the chief of Project Office for Expediting Oil and Gas Reforms at the Presidential Administration Bekhzot Narmatov stated.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a report on the progress of the oil and gas sector's objectives Tuesday.

Bekhzot Narmatov underscored that since the beginning of the year Uzbekneftegaz had discovered two new fields and signed several contracts to expand production.

"Contracts have been signed, and an agreement has also been entered into with the Chinese company XIBU for drilling of 30 deep and ultra-deep wells this year," he told the Uzbekistan 24 television channel.

Furthermore, the company presented the president with a report on actions planned for the end of the year and steps taken to ensure its timely implementation.

According to him, the volume of seismic exploration work is planned to be stepped up significantly this year.

"The volume of seismic exploration work planned for this year is rising from 6,500 to 9,700 linear kilometers, and the oil and gas sector has signed all the necessary contracts and created the necessary conditions for this," he stressed.

The meeting also discussed the activities of private and foreign companies operating in the industry.

"Information was presented on private and foreign companies operating in Uzbekistan and currently managing approximately 25% of our reserves. We have been given directives to review their activities and improve their efficiency," Narmatov said.

According to him, the president has ordered to review the efficiency of Uzbekistan’s entire energy system.

Uzbekneftegaz produced 25.2 BCM gas last year, below forecasts. Stable production volumes, along with an increase in gas reserves and processing, are planned for 2026-2027.