The Ministry of Oil and Gas abolished in Turkmenistan

Today, 15 July, the session of the Cabinet of Ministers was held in Ashgabat where a decision was made to abolish the Ministry of Oil and Gas. The document was adopted with a wording “to further improve the management of the oil and gas sector, improve the industry performance and streamline the revenue”.

The main responsibilities of the abolished ministry will be transferred to a department of the Cabinet of Ministers overseeing the oil and gas sector. Some organizations and enterprises of the ministry will fall under jurisdiction of the state-run groups “Turkmengas” and “Turkmenneft”.

This year staff reductions have been repeatedly held in the departments of the Ministry of Oil and Gas, which used to be major budget revenue generating enterprise, and many employees were sent to unpaid leaves for two to three months.

Moreover, during the session the chairperson of the state-run group of companies “Türkmennebitgazgurluşyk” Arslan Sopyev was relieved from his position for shortcomings while performing his work responsibilities.