Plizio Visual Lab

Sheberghan Gas Fields

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

energy

Weather…

The gas fields around Sheberghan, the capital of Jowzjan province, are the historical center of natural gas production in Afghanistan. The deposits were discovered and developed in the 1960s with Soviet assistance. For decades, the gas was mainly exported to the Soviet Union and also supplied a local power plant and a fertilizer factory in Mazar-i-Sharif. After years of decline due to conflict and lack of investment, there are efforts to revive production. The reserves in the region are still considered significant and could be an important domestic energy source. Modernizing the production facilities and related infrastructure is crucial to unlocking the potential of the Sheberghan gas fields for the Afghan economy again. This could reduce dependence on expensive energy imports and create the basis for industrial development in the north of the country.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, Sep, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	4	6	12	18	25	29	31	29	24	17	10	5
Rain mm	27	36	34	23	11	1	0	0	0	4	24	23

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The gas fields in the vicinity of Sheberghan form the crucial core of Afghanistan's natural gas production, playing a vital role in powering regional infrastructure and sustaining the local economy.

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Visiting

For strict security and operational reasons, these industrial energy extraction sites are not open for tourism. Visitors cannot enter the active drilling areas or the processing facilities under any circumstances.

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Where to view it

The heavy industrial infrastructure, sprawling pipelines, and occasional burn-off flares can typically be observed from a safe distance along the main highway connecting Sheberghan to other regional centers.

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Local products

In the nearby bustling city of Sheberghan, travelers can explore local bazaars offering authentic Afghan rugs, regional textiles, traditional clothing, and agricultural produce like nuts and dried fruits.

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Active season

The natural gas energy production operates continuously. Travelers usually visit the wider region during the more temperate spring and autumn seasons, when road travel and outdoor activities are far less harsh.

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Nearby

Visitors to the area often combine their journey with exploring the significant historical sites of nearby Mazar-i-Sharif, or experiencing the traditional culture and bustling markets of northern Afghanistan.