Last Friday, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, during which the results of the development of sectors of the national economy for the first quarter of this year were summed up.  In particular, the results of the work of oil and gas enterprises, which were reported by Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Shakhym Abdrakhmanov, were discussed.

 As reported, in the first quarter, the plan for oil refining was fulfilled at the level of 110.7 percent, for the production of gasoline – 121.3 percent, diesel fuel – 118.6 percent, lubricating oils – 107.2 percent, polypropylene – 124.4 percent.  Compared to the corresponding period last year, the growth in natural and associated gas production amounted to 102.5 percent, liquefied gas – 107.4 percent, export of «blue fuel» - 103.4 percent.

 It was also reported on the technical and economic indicators achieved in the field of oil and gas condensate production.  In particular, the plan for the extraction of oil by the State Concern «Turkmennebit» was fulfilled at the level of 100.9 percent.

 After listening to the report, Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the state provides the necessary support to the oil and gas complex, which is designed to promote the further development of this industry, however, despite this, no noticeable progress has been observed.

 The head of the state drew attention to the importance of strengthening control over the financial condition of the industry Vice-Chairman supervises. Among the priority tasks are the improvement of the situation of industries operating at the expense of allocated loans in the national currency, including their partial use in the improvement of oil and gas areas and drilling wells, the development and practical implementation of comprehensive measures to increase the use of productive capacities.

 In addition, instructions were given to intensify work to attract foreign investment and loans on favorable terms.  The Vice-Chairman was given a specific instruction to strengthen activities in the field of training highly qualified personnel that correspond to the realities of the time.

 The head of the state also emphasized the importance of intensifying the construction of the transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India and intensifying work on other international projects aimed at exporting natural gas.

 Expressing dissatisfaction with the activities of the Vice-Chairman and the leaders of the complex he supervises, the President instructed to quickly analyze the current situation and take the necessary measures to eliminate the existing shortcomings.

 The head of the state severely reprimanded Vice-Chairman Sh. Abdrakhmanov for the shortcomings in the industry in the first quarter of this year, instructing him to correct them in a short time, and signed a relevant decree.