DUSHANBE -- Russia's state-controlled gas company Gazprom is leaving Tajikistan, said Rakhmonbek Bakhtdavlatov, deputy chief of Tajikistan's Main Geology Directorate, according to Asia-Plus.
The directorate received materials a month ago about the Sariqamish gas field indicating that Gazprom was leaving the country, he said Wednesday (July 18) in Dushanbe.
Tajikistan, with its outdated technology and lack of expertise, is unable to extract its oil and gas reserves without outside help, Bakhtdavlatov said.
"We have counted on Gazprom and thought it would be able to do something with its facilities," Bakhtdavlatov said. "Gazprom has drilled only one hole and says that there is no gas or oil in Tajikistan."
Gazprom announced in August 2016 it would give up its last exploration and development licenses for the Sariqamish and Western Shohambari gas fields. The licenses expire September 15.
