TASHKENT—In a strategic move to expand its energy resources, Uzbekistan's national oil and gas company, Saneg, plans to significantly increase its imports of Russian oil, with expectations to bring in around 550,000 tons by the end of this year.

According to Trend News Agency, the latest figures from the analytical company Argus indicate a substantial jump in imports, showcasing a rise of 395,700 tons over the previous year's total of 154,300 tons. The Fergana refinery, a Saneg asset, has received 132,900 tons of crude oil from Gazprom Neft from January through May, an increase from 48,700 tons during the same period in 2023.

The overall trade turnover of oil and related products in Uzbekistan surged to $1.8 billion from January to August 2024, marking an 80 percent increase from the $1.1 billion recorded during the same period last year. Exports of oil and petroleum products totaled $409.4 million, while imports amounted to $1.4 billion, reflecting a growing dependence on foreign oil amidst rising domestic demands.