Hundreds of women, inspiring with their professionalism, work at the Fergana Oil Refinery. One of them is Lyutfie Abdullayeva, an operator with 28 years of experience, whose career at the plant has become an example of dedication to her craft. Her work at the loading and unloading station requires high concentration and responsibility. How does she manage to balance career success, mentoring youth, and caring for her family? Find out in our interview.
— Lyutfie Enverovna, tell us about your career journey in the oil refining industry. How did you master such a serious profession with an educational background in light industry? What brought you to the Fergana Oil Refinery?
"All dreams and aspirations that shape our future often begin in childhood. As a teenager, I was inspired by flight attendants—their elegance and profession seemed extraordinary to me. Later, I developed a passion for sewing, which led me to the Fergana Technical School of Light Industry. In the evenings, I worked as a seamstress, mastering a craft I truly enjoyed.
Over time, my plans changed, and I joined a factory producing cotton goods. However, after three years, significant changes occurred in my life—I became a mother and dedicated myself to my family.
In 1996, I was offered a position at the Fergana Oil Refinery as a domestic affairs employee. During my three years there, I observed the work of the production staff with great interest. I was always fascinated by the work of technical specialists—challenging yet incredibly engaging. Perhaps this was the turning point for me. I realized I wanted to be part of this complex yet essential process.
Soon after, I transferred to Workshop 22 and began working as a loading operator for finished products. This was a real challenge—learning a new profession requiring skills, practice, and diligence. But I was confident that I could overcome any difficulties and make a valuable contribution to the development of the oil refining industry."
— What does the job of a product operator at a loading station entail, and what are your daily responsibilities?
"As a product operator at the petroleum and petroleum products loading station in Workshop 26, my job involves several key stages. First, I am responsible for loading finished products, ensuring accurate measurements, and organizing quality control. My next task is to oversee the proper loading process of finished petroleum products, such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet kerosene.
My workday involves constant monitoring of technological processes, equipment maintenance for rail and road transport, and strict adherence to occupational health and safety guidelines. I work with high-tech loading equipment that requires meticulous attention to detail to avoid errors and ensure smooth operation. Another crucial aspect of my job is collaborating with other plant departments to ensure timely and precise execution of all operations.
The work demands high concentration and responsibility, as any malfunction or deviation from standards can impact product quality and workplace safety."
— What valuable experiences have you gained over the years, and what are you willing to share with young specialists?
"When I joined this workshop, the loading station was just being established. Standing amidst large machinery was intimidating, and I felt like an astronaut. But over time, I overcame my fears and fully immersed myself in the work process.
From my first days as an operator, I realized that you must keep moving forward and never stop. The oil refining industry is not one of the most accessible fields, so to master the profession, I started by attending various training courses, delving deeply into all the nuances of the work. Each new piece of knowledge became a step toward new skills.
Additionally, my colleagues and department heads served as true mentors, motivating me to achieve new heights. Over the years, I have grown from a simple operator to a multitasking specialist involved in various projects. As the refinery evolved, I also progressed step by step, witnessing how the Fergana Oil Refinery adapted to modern challenges, implementing new technologies and methods. All of this inspires me to achieve even more.
Throughout my career, I have passed on my experience to over 200 trainees."
— Could you talk about the reforms at the Fergana Oil Refinery in recent years? What are the new technologies and methods you mentioned earlier?
"The introduction of new installations and the adoption of modern methods always inspire employees and serve as a stimulus for development. A significant turning point for the plant occurred at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, when management transitioned to a private oil and gas company. This marked the beginning of large-scale modernization and reconstruction of the refinery.
The project instills confidence in the enterprise's future and its prospects. One significant step was the implementation of the SAP ERP system—the first in Uzbekistan's oil and gas sector. The comprehensive SAP S/4 HANA information system automates most business processes, significantly enhancing management efficiency.
Upon completing modernization, raw material processing will double, reaching over 2 million tons annually. Additionally, the output of light petroleum products is expected to exceed 75%. Since 2022, the refinery has also started producing Jet A-1 aviation fuel, mastering new technology. All of this is part of the major modernization effort to improve operations and increase efficiency.
The plant also places great emphasis on occupational health and safety: we work in special clothing, sewn right at the refinery, and strictly adhere to safety regulations."
— How do you view the growing number of women in the oil and gas industry? Could you share your observations on gender equality in your profession?
"The increase in women in our field, in my opinion, is a positive development. It brings diversity in perspectives and approaches to solving problems, breaking stereotypes that this industry is solely for men. Regarding gender equality, I see noticeable improvements. Today, many women hold important leadership positions, from deputy directors to workshop managers, actively participating in key decision-making processes.
Women should continue to grow and succeed alongside men. This is not only fair but beneficial for the entire country."
— How do you manage to balance family and work? Could you share your secrets?
"For a woman, nothing is too difficult or easy—she will always find a way to manage everything. I strive to maintain a balance between work and home. To work effectively at the plant, I first organize order in my household, and to spend time with my family, I dedicate myself entirely to my duties during work hours. My happiness lies in the time spent with my family. I believe that harmony between work and personal life is the key to success, as my own experience confirms."
— What advice would you give to young specialists starting their careers in the oil and gas industry?
"It’s important to be curious and not afraid to ask questions. Success requires patience and persistence, as not everything comes quickly. Sometimes, determination is needed to reach your goals."
— What phrase would you use to conclude our conversation?
"I am proud to work at the Fergana Oil Refinery. For me, it’s not just a job but an opportunity to contribute to the development of the industry and the country. Even the smallest changes can lead to significant results in production processes."
The material was prepared by Nodira Khaydarova for the scientific and technical journal "Oil and Gas of Uzbekistan"
