QazaqGaz completes repairs on Central Asia - Center gas pipeline as part of measures to increase transit to Uzbekistan

ASTANA. Aug 26 (Interfax) - National Company QazaqGaz has completed repair work and testing on the Central Asia - Center main gas pipeline, one of the key gas transportation routes in the region, the company said.

Repair and restoration work to replace defective pipes and re-insulate them on the 1134-851 km section of the Central Asia - Center (CAC) main gas pipeline has been fully completed, it said. Since August 21, work has been underway to fill this section with gas for the subsequent transition to the combined dedicated route of the CAC IV/CAC V gas pipeline.

The work was carried out as part of measures to ensure the reliable and safe operation of the gas transportation system and to increase the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan.

As reported, supplies of Russian natural gas to consumers in Uzbekistan through Kazakhstan began in October 2023. The supplies are organized in reverse mode via a specially designated route based on the Central Asia - Center main gas pipeline system.

In November 2023, Gazprom and the Kazakh government signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The document aims to develop cooperation in the supply, transportation and processing of natural gas, as well as its exploration and production.

In June 2024, Gazprom and QazaqGaz signed contracts for the provision of services for the transportation of Russian gas through Kazakh territory to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan from 2025 to 2040. Gazprom and the Kazakh government signed an action plan for preparing the facilities of the Central Asia - Center IV main gas pipeline to increase the volume of Russian gas transportation to Uzbekistan.

QazaqGaz is a portfolio company of the Samruk-Kazyna national fund. The company manages the centralized infrastructure for the transportation of commercial gas through main gas pipelines and gas distribution networks, ensures international transit, and is engaged in the sale of gas in domestic and foreign markets. It develops, finances, constructs and operates pipelines and gas storage facilities.