Uzbekneftegaz, SOCAR agree to develop filling station network in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT. Aug 24 (Interfax) - The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) plans to expand its filling stations network in Uzbekistan, Uzbek state-owned oil and gas company Uzbekneftegaz said.

"As part of the fourth interregional forum between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, held on Saturday, Uzbekneftegaz and Azerbaijan's SOCAR signed a cooperation agreement to develop a network of modern filling stations in our country," it said.

The agreements provides for a study and assessment of the scope for developing a network of gas stations, identifying promising locations, optimal business models and practical mechanisms for project implementation.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's press service said a groundbreaking ceremony for five new SOCAR filling stations was held online in Tashkent on Sunday as part of Aliyev's state visit to Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijani media quoted Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov as saying at the forum that SOCAR intended to enter Uzbekistan's retail market with subsequent investments and the construction of a network of filling stations.