Uzbekistan launches semi-synthetic Jet A1 production at Fergana Refinery to boost aviation fuel output and reduce import dependence.
Uzbekistan has taken a major step towards strengthening its aviation fuel independence with the launch of serial production of Jet A1 aviation fuel containing a synthetic component at the Fergana Oil Refinery. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the country’s domestic supply of aviation kerosene, raising it from the current level of 40–50% to an anticipated 70–80%, thereby reducing reliance on imported fuels.
The project is spearheaded by Saneg JetWhites, a company specializing in the distribution of aviation fuel, both domestically produced and imported. In order to bring this project to fruition, Saneg devised a comprehensive phased development strategy. As part of this plan, the company collaborated with Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas in Moscow to conduct a series of rigorous technical evaluations. These included testing samples of semi-synthetic aviation kerosene using internationally recognized assessment methods to ensure the product’s safety and performance. The results of the testing were positive, leading to official approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzaviatsiya) to use the newly developed semi-synthetic Jet A1 fuel for civilian aircraft refueling.
The aviation kerosene being produced is a blend that includes 40% synthetic component, derived from the Uzbekistan GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) plant, and 60% conventional Jet A1 fuel, refined at the Fergana facility. This composition is engineered to deliver excellent performance attributes, such as improved combustion quality, superior thermal and oxidative stability, and compliance with global fuel standards. More importantly, this blend allows Uzbekistan to increase the production volume of aviation kerosene by over 60%, addressing a critical shortfall in supply.
Azizbek Gayupov, Director of Saneg JetWhites, emphasized the broader significance of this development: “The advancement in semi-synthetic Jet A1 production marks a crucial move towards bolstering our nation’s fuel security. It reflects our commitment to not only meeting the domestic demand for aviation kerosene but also embracing technological innovation in fuel manufacturing.”
The production is set to begin with an initial capacity of up to 10,000 tons per month, with plans in place to ramp up output to 20,000–25,000 tons per month during the second phase. This scalable approach ensures that the initiative can adapt to rising demand while maintaining fuel quality and sustainability.
By integrating synthetic components into aviation fuel production, Uzbekistan is not only expanding its domestic capabilities but also aligning itself with global trends in cleaner, more efficient fuel technologies.
