Rubio seeks to strengthen US foothold in Central Asia

A proposed $5 billion "Gas Ring" would connect five Central Asian nations - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - through over 3,000 kilometers of new and upgraded pipelines. This proposal was discussed at the second Central Asia Oil and Gas Forum in Tashkent, where Kazakh energy expert Askar Ismailov first presented the idea in 2025. He estimates the core infrastructure would cost $5bn, with $2bn for new construction and $3bn for modernisation and digitalisation.

The network could carry approximately 20 billion cubic meters of gas annually, providing an additional supply option for countries with varying gas resources, infrastructure, and demand. Turkmenistan, with substantial reserves, could gain extra regional customers while other countries could receive more supply options.

According to Valérie Ducrot, executive director of the Geneva-based Global Gas Centre, the Gas Ring project would enhance the security of supply for all participating countries. Uzbekistan, both a major producer and consumer of gas, would benefit from the increased supply during the winter months. Kazakhstan's gas resources are primarily in the west, far from major population centers, while Kyrgyzstan relies on imported gas and Tajikistan generates much of its electricity from hydropower but also imports gas.

The proposed ring would leverage existing gas connections between the countries and add flexibility to the flow of gas. Assylbek Jakiyev, chairman of PetroCouncil Kazakhstan, explained that Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company, Uzbekneftegaz, has shown interest in the project following preliminary talks. Additionally, the Global Gas Centre signed a memorandum of understanding with authorities in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic within Uzbekistan, in May.

However, significant challenges remain before the project can be realized. Uzbekistan's domestic gas output has declined by 16.3% year on year in the first half of 2026, and Uzbek authorities are pursuing deeper exploration in the Ustyurt region and measures to improve output from existing fields. Meanwhile, Uzbekistan is also exploring energy links with Azerbaijan and European markets, as discussed at the Tashkent forum.