The Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan has for the first time provided a detailed commentary on the upcoming increase in electricity and natural gas tariffs, effective June 1. The agency stated that the adjustment is due to inflation, rising production costs, and the need for further modernization of the country's energy infrastructure.
According to ministry representatives, this is not an unscheduled increase, but rather a tariff indexation in accordance with a government decree. As of May 1, annual inflation in Uzbekistan was 7.1%, while the average increase in electricity and gas tariffs was around 10%. The Ministry of Energy also noted that the cost of electricity in the country remains one of the lowest in the world, averaging 4–5 cents per kWh.
The agency emphasized that tariffs for the population within the basic consumption still do not cover the actual cost of energy production and delivery. The difference is compensated by the state budget. According to the ministry's assessment, a refusal to index would have led to an additional burden on the budget and could have reduced funding for social programs, healthcare, and education. It is also noted that funds are needed for the maintenance of power plants, networks, substations, and the further development of the energy system.