Report: Uzbekistan Has Less Oil, Gas Than Thought

An oil refinery in Ferghana

Pro-government Uzbek websites have cited a report from BP giving figures for Uzbekistan's proven oil and natural-gas reserves that were lower than the Uzbek government's numbers.

According to BP's "Statistical Review of World Energy 2012," Uzbekistan has 100 million tons of proven oil reserves and 1.6 trillion cubic meters of gas.

The state oil company Uzbekneftegaz has previously cited a figure of 132 million tons and the Uzbek government has previously estimated there are some 4 trillion cubic meters of gas.

BP's figures for Uzbekistan's hydrocarbon reserves are in line with figures given by the "Oil and Gas" journal earlier this year.

Despite these reserves, Uzbekistan's citizens continue to complain about shortages and high prices at gas stations and gas shortages at home.

Based on reporting by Olam.uz and UzDaily.uz