A Solution for Gas Theft

Kazakhstan plans to build a 142-kilometer pipeline for importing Uzbek natural gas, which will bypass Kyrgyzstan, according to Kazakh government sources.

Kazakhstan currently imports Uzbek natural gas via an existing 130-kilometer pipeline that runs through Kyrgyz territory. However, Kyrgyzstan has been illegally siphoning off Uzbek gas from the pipeline, as the country's debt for gas has climbed to U.S. USD 7 million and Kyrgyzstan is unable to pay this debt.

In addition, the section of the pipeline on the Kyrgyz territory is in poor condition and requires maintenance work. No other details were available.