30.04.2026 12:03
Afghanistan, with China's support, has commissioned 5 new wells to increase oil production in the Amu Darya Basin in the north of the country. The wells in the "Zamard Say" area are reported to have a daily production capacity of 500 cubic meters. The Taliban administration aims to reduce dependence on energy imports, expand refinery capacity, and integrate natural resources into the economy with this move.
Afghanistan is expanding oil production in the Amu Darya Basin in the north of the country with Chinese support. It was reported that 5 new wells commissioned in the "Zamard Say" area have a daily production capacity of 500 cubic meters.
The attached video shows pipelines and field equipment belonging to oil infrastructure over a wide area, with local officials and technical teams gathering at the production site. The footage is of the opening of new wells or the promotion of production activities in the field.
OIL SECTOR ACCELERATED WITH CHINESE INVESTMENTS
The Amu Darya Basin is at the center of oil production in Afghanistan. According to information in the foreign press, the Taliban administration signed a large-scale agreement in 2023 with a China-linked company to develop the Amu Darya oil fields, which was recorded as one of the first major foreign investments in the country since the Taliban's return to power. It was reported that under the agreement, the Chinese side committed to investments worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the first three years.
Afghan officials aim to meet domestic demand by increasing oil production, expand refinery capacity, and reduce dependence on fuel imports. In reports sourced from TOLOnews, it was stated that Afghanistan only produces in the Amu Darya Basin and that the capacity in this field is considered critical for the country's energy goals.
ENERGY STRATEGY WITHOUT THE WEST
The new production move also reveals Afghanistan's pursuit of progress in the oil sector without Western companies. The Taliban administration aims to bring the country's natural resources into the economy through domestic capacity and regional partnerships.
In reports from the regional press, it was stated that Afghanistan plans to increase production by opening new wells in the Amu Darya Basin, with a goal of raising daily production to higher levels. Afghan officials previously mentioned a target of increasing production to 3,000 tons per day with 25 new wells.
PRODUCTION CONTINUES DESPITE CONTRACT CRISIS
However, information in the foreign press also indicates that the China-linked oil process has not been entirely smooth. In 2025, news emerged that the Taliban administration had canceled the 25-year contract with the Chinese company regarding the Amu Darya oil field, citing non-fulfillment of obligations. It was stated that Afghan technical teams continued production after this development.
Therefore, the latest production move stands out as an effort by Afghanistan to maintain and develop production capacity in the field following the process initiated by Chinese investments.
GOAL TO REDUCE IMPORT DEPENDENCE
Afghanistan has long met a significant portion of its energy and fuel needs through imports. Increasing production in the Amu Darya Basin is seen as important both for supporting domestic fuel supply and for reducing external dependence.
Experts note that if the oil is processed and supplied to the domestic market, it could contribute to the Afghan economy in the short term in terms of revenue, employment, and infrastructure investment.