The Bukhara–Tashkent–Bishkek–Almaty pipeline is Uzbekistan's main natural gas export pipeline.

History

Construction of the pipeline started in 1967. In 1968, the pipeline reached Tashkent, in 1970 Bishkek (then Frunze) and in 1971 to Almaty.

Description

The diameter of the pipeline is 1020 mm and the annual capacity of the pipeline is almost 22 billion cubic meter (bcm) of natural gas. The Bukhara–Tashkent–Bishkek–Almaty pipeline is the main source of gas supply for Kyrgyzstan and southern part of Kazakhstan. It is possible that the pipeline will be connected with the planned Central Asia-China gas pipeline.

Operators

The Kazakhstan section of pipeline is operated by KazTransGas, a wholly owned subsidiary of KazMunayGas. The Kyrgyzstan section of pipe line is operated by KyrKazGas, the joint venture of KazTransGas and Kyrgyzgas.

Future developments

The technical condition of the pipeline is alarming, particularly in Kyrgyzstan. Therefore, there are plans for construction of a second trunk gas pipeline and renovation of the existing pipeline.