Uztransgaz focused on revamp of network

摘要

AN ENERGY industry restructuring process in Uzbekistan, where the government is being advised by international consultants and banks, has created a new monopoly in Uztransgaz, a former subsidiary of state-owned Uz-bekneftegaz that now has ownership and operatorship over the country's domestic and transit gas pipeline network. The company also has become a major centre of revenues with sole rights to buy all gas from producers in the country and sell it domestically, as well as export purchased gas on its own behalf. Russia's Lukoil, which operates two major gas projects in the country and is the largest independent gas producer in Uzbekistan, appears to be an exception from the scheme, as it is protected by its production sharing agreement. As a Uzbekneftegaz subsidiary, Uztransgaz functioned purely as a transportation outfit.