BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 15. Tajikistan increased
imports of natural gas and petroleum products in the first half of
2026.
This was reflected in the report on the activities of the
Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan for the first
half of 2026.
"During the reporting period, imports of natural gas from
Uzbekistan to Tajikistan totaled 126.377 million cubic meters, an
increase of 7.3 million cubic meters compared to the same period
last year," the report said.
The report also noted that domestic companies and entrepreneurs
imported 922,800 tons of petroleum products and liquefied gas from
various countries in the first six months of 2026, up by 114,200
tons, or 11%, year-on-year.
Despite its hydropower potential, Tajikistan remains heavily
dependent on imports to meet domestic demand for natural gas and
refined petroleum products. Uzbekistan is the country's principal
supplier of natural gas, while fuel imports come mainly from
regional markets, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and other
neighboring countries. The growth in imports reflects continued
demand from the transport, industrial, and agricultural sectors, as
domestic oil and gas production remains limited.
In this context, Tajikistan's electricity sector is dominated by
hydropower, which accounts for about 98% of the country's total
generation, making it one of the world's most hydropower-dependent
energy systems. The government is investing heavily in new
generation capacity and grid modernization to meet rising domestic
demand and expand electricity exports. The Rogun Hydropower Plant,
the country's flagship energy project, is expected to become the
largest power station in Central Asia upon completion, with an
installed capacity of 3,780 MW.
At the same time, Tajikistan continues to strengthen regional
energy integration through the CASA-1000 transmission project,
which will enable seasonal electricity exports to Afghanistan and
Pakistan. Alongside new generation projects, authorities are
prioritizing the modernization of transmission and distribution
networks to reduce technical losses, improve supply reliability,
and support the country's long-term energy security strategy.
The sector is also expected to remain among the priorities for
international development institutions. Against this backdrop, in
an exclusive interview with Trend, the European Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (EBRD) approved its new Strategic and Capital Framework
(SCF) for 2026-2030, outlining key priorities for the Bank’s
activities in Central Asia and other regions.
According to Huseyin Ozhan, EBRD Managing Director for Central
Asia and Mongolia, the framework is focused on three main areas:
accelerating the green transition, strengthening economic
governance, and developing human capital while promoting equal
opportunities.
He noted that these priorities serve as the main guidelines for
the EBRD’s operations in Central Asia. The Bank also develops
individual country strategies for each state in the region in close
cooperation with national authorities, with a focus on
strengthening private sector competitiveness, creating jobs,
improving skills, promoting inclusion, and supporting digital
transformation.
