SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Despite having enormous gas reserves, numerous Central Asian nations are apparently experiencing an increasing natural gas crisis. The primary causes of this are inadequate infrastructure and population growth. It should be mentioned that there are currently more than 70 million people living in the area.
There are substantial natural gas deposits in nations like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. More than 95% of the natural gas reserves in the region are found in these three nations combined. Nevertheless, it is believed that these nations' production capacities are insufficient to satisfy the demand for gas at home.
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Kazakhstan produces 59 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas annually, according to official data. Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan produce about 81 and 45 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, respectively.
In comparison to the rate of production, the region's domestic gas consumption has been rising quickly. These nations are consequently compelled to depend on Russian gas imports, which have also been disrupted due to escalating geopolitical tensions.
Additionally, the area is perceived as being highly reliant on China, which also finances a number of pipeline projects in the area. Despite filling up infrastructure shortages, Chinese investments have exacerbated economic dependency, which has given Beijing more political clout.
