A new gas condensate field, Karatau, was discovered in the central part of the Ustyurt region during geological exploration. The area is located in the Muynak district of Karakalpakstan. As part of the exploration program, specialists drilled the first well to a depth of 4860 meters.
On October 3, during well testing at a depth of 3273–3213 meters, a commercial inflow of natural gas and condensate from Lower Jurassic deposits was recorded. The results confirmed the discovery of a new field. Further study of the Karatau area will continue until the end of 2026.
Plans include completing the drilling of exploration well No. 2 and commencing work on exploration wells No. 3 and No. 4. According to Uzbekneftegaz, the results of the Karatau studies create additional opportunities for finding promising areas with deep hydrocarbon deposits in the Ustyurt region.