Uzbekneftegaz discusses modernization of Bukhara Refinery with participation of French and Chinese companies

The refinery in Bukhara plans to increase its annual raw material processing capacity from 2.5 million to 5 million tons as part of a modernization project valued at 328 million US dollars.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev inspected the progress of preparations for this project during his visit to the enterprise located in the Karaulbazar district of the Bukhara region.

The Bukhara oil refinery is one of the largest producers of petroleum products in the country and employs over 3,200 specialists.

From January to September 2026, the plant produced 1.36 million tons of petroleum products worth 12.1 trillion sums. During this period, exports of products and services amounted to 99.5 million US dollars, and by the end of the year, the enterprise expects to increase exports to 116 million dollars.

Goals of Modernization and Technological Changes

The main goal of the modernization is to expand raw material processing and increase the output of high-octane motor gasoline. To achieve this goal, the plant intends to install equipment for naphtha hydrotreating and isomerization.

Hydrotreating will reduce the content of sulfur and other impurities in the raw materials, while isomerization will increase the octane number of gasoline obtained from light petroleum fractions. These technologies are necessary to increase the production of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline, which meets the Euro-5 environmental standard.

The project also includes updating the processes of separating raw materials into fractions and deepening the processing of heavy residues. After implementing all planned measures, the plant's annual capacity will increase by another 2.5 million tons, reaching 5 million tons.

The expansion of production capacity is expected to lead to an increase in finished product output, strengthen supplies to the domestic market, and stimulate exports.

President's Instructions

During his visit, Mirziyoyev instructed the plant to adhere to the modernization deadlines and quality requirements, as well as ensure the compatibility of new equipment with existing production processes and maintain stable operation during the upgrade period.

Furthermore, the president held negotiations with representatives of foreign companies participating in this project.

Uzbekneftegaz intends to modernize the oil refinery in Bukhara. The project's goal is to enable the direct production of high-octane automotive gasoline during processing, which will allow for the elimination of imported additives currently used to increase the octane rating of the finished fuel.

Sukhrob Khamraev, the first deputy chairman of the board of the state company, presented the modernization plans at a press conference on October 27. According to him, the technical and economic justification for this project has already been completed. The initiative received presidential approval during a meeting in October, as well as a positive assessment from the Center for Comprehensive Expertise.

Work is currently underway to obtain official permission through the relevant state decision. Khamraev noted that work could begin in the fourth quarter of 2026 or during 2027, depending on the approval of the technical and economic justification and the adoption of a presidential decree.

The selection of contractors will be carried out through an open tender. Technology licensors, construction companies, and other potential contractors will be able to submit proposals. The company also plans to partially finance the project through loans. Khamraev emphasized that information about the tender and the state decision will be made publicly available.

Abrorzhon Khudoyberganov, deputy chairman of the board of Uzbekneftegaz responsible for refining operations, reported that the Bukhara plant is operating at its maximum production capacity. He specified that the company is fully meeting fuel supply targets, with gasoline reserves available for consumer sale exceeding 125,000 tons.

Khudoyberganov also highlighted the impact of imported additives on fuel production costs. These additives, used to increase the octane number of gasoline, increase the cost of producing the final product. After the plant's reconstruction and expansion of new gasoline products, a reduction in production costs is expected, which, in turn, should lead to cheaper fuel.

A delegation from the Uzbek agency Uzatom visited Minsk, Belarus, on October 27 to hold negotiations with the Minister of Energy of Belarus, Denis Moroz. The main topic of discussion was the participation of Belarusian enterprises in the project of Uzbekistan's integrated nuclear power plant, as well as the localization of energy equipment and the development of industrial cooperation.

These negotiations took place as part of the Uzbek delegation's working trip to Belarus. The parties reviewed prospects for joint work in the field of nuclear energy and opportunities to involve Belarusian specialists and companies in the implementation of Uzbekistan's national program in the field of atomic energy.

Belarus is also providing practical support in selecting qualified personnel for the construction of the nuclear power plant and related infrastructure. According to Moroz, the production of transformer equipment is one of the promising areas for cooperation.

The Belarusian side is ready to study potential partnership between the V. I. Kozlov Minsk Electrical Engineering Plant, Uzatom, and the Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom. The Minister also emphasized the possibilities of expanding industrial cooperation, including equipment supplies and the creation of joint production capacities.

Azim Akhmedkhadzhayev, Director of Uzatom, focused on the importance of working with partners who possess the necessary experience to execute the NPP project. He noted that further joint efforts must strengthen the partnership and lead to tangible results. After the meeting, the parties agreed to continue exchanging proposals on specific areas of cooperation and to define projects for further joint consideration.