Methane prices to be market-driven, government steps back from direct control

On August 1, Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov held a meeting on fuel and energy issues, Gazeta.uz reports citing the press secretary of the head of government, Bekzod Khidoyatov.

The meeting, organized on the president's directive, was dedicated to the removal of the price cap on methane. There will no longer be direct interference in pricing; however, to protect consumer rights, the head of state instructed to prevent unjustified price hikes.

"State interference in price regulation led to a disruption of the competitive environment. Therefore, there will be no price cap; prices will be determined by the market," noted Khidoyatov.

However, the freedom to set prices "does not mean the ability to do whatever one wants," it was emphasized at the meeting. Measures will be taken to stabilize prices, similar to those introduced during the liberalization of the wheat and flour markets.

The Competition Committee and the Prosecutor General's Office will monitor the implementation of these directives. Sector leaders will ensure that retail methane prices are not excessively inflated.

On August 1, the ceiling prices for methane supplied by automotive gas-filling compressor stations expired. Prices increased by 200-500 UZS depending on the region, from 3950 to 4250 UZS.

Initially, the price cap was introduced in September 2023 for six months. However, it was extended twice for two months each time, while also raising the ceiling — first to 3350 UZS, then to 3750 UZS.

The next increase in gas tariffs for automotive gas-filling compressor stations is expected on April 1, 2025. According to the resolution, the price will rise by more than a third to 2500 UZS per cubic meter.