Gas Extraction Continues in Jowzjan Amid Environmental Concerns

Natural gas extraction continues in Afghanistan’s Jowzjan province, as experts say the ongoing process, without sustained attention to environmental impacts, could affect water, soil and other natural resources.

According to these assessments, although the gas produced helps meet part of the country’s energy needs, continued work in gas fields is seen as requiring consistent adherence to technical and environmental standards. Officials have also stressed the implementation of these standards in the extraction process.

Officials say natural gas in Jowzjan is extracted from the Khwaja Gogerdak, Yatim Taq, Jarqadq, and Shakarak fields. After processing, the gas is supplied to the power generation sector, fertilizer production and consumers.

Jowzjan is one of northern Afghanistan’s provinces and has long been recognized as one of the country’s important gas-producing areas, with part of its energy activity relying on underground natural resources.