(uznews.net) – State-run energy holding Uzbekneftegaz almost doubled its production of natural gas in the first half of 2011 compared to the same period last year. As the government apportions its gas supplies for the year, the question is whether or not it will prioritise the provision of heat and light for its citizens in outlying regions or whether it will choose to sell the fuel abroad.

“Uzbekneftegaz’s production companies, including its overseas holdings, produced 100.2% of its target output and increased its production of natural gas by 95.9% compared to the first half of 2010,” the company’s press office announced.

According to data on the Olam.uz website, Uzbekistan produced 59.1 billion m³ of gas in 2010, more than 40% of which was exported. Russia’s gas giant Gazprom is key for Uzbekistan’s gas markets – each year it lifts roughly 15 billion m³ of Uzbek gas.

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