On the vast land of Central Asia, a new energy exploration story is unfolding. Recently, international energy giant BP took a historic step by entering Uzbekistan's oil and gas resources sector for the first time. This time, it did not go alone, but walked side by side with an old friend from the Caspian Sea - Azerbaijan State Oil Company (SOCAR), and together set its sights on the long dormant underground treasure in the northern region of Ustyurt.

Core transaction finalized

According to the agreement, BP has acquired 20% equity from its original partners SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz. After the transaction is completed, BP will hold 40% of the participating equity in six exploration blocks including Birqori and Boyterak, while SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz will each hold 30%. SOCAR will serve as the project operator and be responsible for the specific operations. This signing ceremony was held in Tashkent and became a key event at the 2026 Uzbekistan Oil and Gas Conference.

Old friend opens up new opportunities

BP's entry into Uzbekistan this time, SOCAR played a key bridging role. The two companies have a long-term and in-depth cooperative relationship in the Caspian Sea area of Azerbaijan. This time, SOCAR successfully introduced this mature cooperation model into Uzbekistan, bringing BP's international capital and advanced technology to the project, and further enhancing its influence in Central Asia. The President of SOCAR stated that this collaboration is based on deep mutual trust and shared long-term goals, and the addition of BP will provide strong support for the successful operation of the project.

Global strategic extension

The layout of Uzbekistan is the latest step in BP's global exploration strategy. Just recently, BP expanded its exploration rights in the waters off Namibia through an acquisition. The head of BP Central Asia clearly stated that these actions reflect the company's firm strategy of continuously expanding its exploration investment portfolio and pursuing long-term organic growth. Under the new strategic framework of "Simple BP" promoted by CEO O'Neill, BP is accelerating its layout globally through a combination of "mature partnerships+emerging resource markets".keywords:Engineering infrastructure

With the strong alliance between Caspian energy giants and Central Asian resource countries, the energy potential of northern Uzbekistan is about to undergo a systematic evaluation and development. The entry of BP may indicate a new chapter in the energy landscape of Central Asia.Editor/Yang Meiling