Air Products, a prominent industrial gas company, has signed a significant deal to acquire Saneg's hydrogen production assets at the Fergana Oil Refinery in Uzbekistan. This acquisition includes a steam methane reforming (SMR) unit that can process natural gas or liquid petroleum gas, supplementing the PSA units previously supplied by Air Products. The hydrogen produced at the site serves both the refinery and the broader merchant market. The modernization efforts at the Fergana Refinery, including the introduction of hydrocracking processing and expanded fuel processing depth, align with the acquisition of hydrogen production units by Air Products. Bakhtiyor Fazilov, the founder of Saneg, views this agreement as a crucial step in the refinery's modernization plans and emphasizes its contribution to strengthening Uzbekistan's energy security. Air Products' President and CEO, Seifi Ghasemi, highlights how this acquisition will bolster the company's presence in Uzbekistan and enhance the refinery's capabilities, supporting the growth of Central Asia's oil and gas market. The deal not only benefits Air Products but also aligns with Uzbekistan's goals of achieving energy independence and sustainability. In a separate agreement, Air Products had previously signed a $1 billion investment deal with the Uzbekistan government and Uzbekneftegaz JSC to operate a natural gas-to-syngas processing facility. This strategic move further solidifies Air Products' commitment to expanding its operations in Uzbekistan and contributing to the nation's energy sector. The overall expansion and modernization initiatives aim to position Air Products as a key player in the industrial gas market of Uzbekistan, which saw significant revenues in 2023. The positive sentiment surrounding these acquisitions and investments underscores the mutual benefits for both Air Products and Uzbekistan, focusing on modernization, energy security, and sustainable operations in the region.