Weekly highlights: ban on e-cigarettes, restrictions on the number of bank cards, and an increase in train ticket prices.

This week, key topics were discussed in the areas of economy, green energy, and transportation. In the weekly roundup, Spot has compiled the most important articles and news that you might have missed.

Green Energy

The Center for Development Strategy published a draft presidential decree regarding the state program for 2025. The program includes measures for implementing the "Uzbekistan 2030" strategy, planned for this year.

Specifically, the goal is set to increase the share of renewable energy to 26% of total generation. In particular, it is planned to launch 16 new green power plants with a capacity of 3.5 GW, as well as to build hydroelectric stations with a capacity of 160 MW.

The Ministry of Energy will be tasked with developing a program for the installation of small solar panels in 35,000 households, including 27,000 private and social facilities. It is expected to build 3,000 small hydropower plants with a total capacity of 164 MW by the end of 2026.

Starting April 1, it is planned to implement "green" tariffs for electricity produced from solar and wind generation, as well as for waste recycling. Preferential tariffs will also apply for energy produced by enterprises from biogas.

It is planned to attract at least $10 million from the sale of carbon credits earned through emission reductions. A long-term strategy will also be developed.

Additionally, it is proposed to limit the sale of AI-80 gasoline in Uzbekistan by the end of 2025. Dirty industries, including cement and metallurgical plants, may be relocated from Tashkent, Nukus, and regional centers.

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Photo: Evgeny Sorochin / Spot

For the industry, incentives will be introduced for the installation of air and water filters. In Samarkand and Fergana regions, it is planned to create industrial zones specializing in the production of eco-friendly products on an experimental basis.

Uzbekistan may impose restrictions on trans fats in food products. Measures are also planned to reduce the use of plastic and food waste.

Tourist complexes in mountainous areas and near water bodies will attract $500 million. When constructing houses, it will become mandatory to design parking lots and drainage systems.

Economy

On January 7, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted in the first reading a draft law prohibiting the circulation of electronic cigarettes. The bill provides for a ban on the production, manufacturing, storage, transportation, import to Uzbekistan, and export from the country of electronic nicotine delivery systems, including e-cigarettes and their liquids.

Health Minister Asilbek Khudayarov justified the ban on electronic cigarettes due to their popularity among youth and women.

“Why are we proposing to ban only electronic cigarettes and not regular ones? According to our observations, regular cigarettes are more frequently consumed by older people. The emergence of flavorings on our market, which attract clients with an animated effect, has created a risk [of their distribution] among youth. Unfortunately, the use of electronic cigarettes has especially spread among women,” the health minister stated.

Khudayarov mentioned the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) convention, which recommended regulating or banning the circulation of electronic cigarettes.

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Asilbek Khudayarov. Photo: Press Service of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis

Currently, the circulation of electronic cigarettes is banned in 37 countries, including Norway, Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Singapore, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Belgium, and the United Kingdom, the official listed.

The Minister of Health emphasized that if measures are not taken regarding electronic cigarettes, young people who use them may be three times more likely to switch to regular cigarettes as they grow older.

The health minister specifically noted that the initial ban on electronic cigarettes will only affect vapes but will not touch tobacco heating systems.

Furthermore, the Central Bank has restricted the number of bank cards issued to one person. A total of up to 20 cards are allowed, including virtual and co-branded cards, but only 5 can be opened at one bank. This temporary order will be in effect until the end of 2025.

As of the end of 2024, Uzbekistan's gold and foreign exchange reserves increased by more than 19% to $41.1 billion. In December, international assets decreased by $297 million due to a reduction in gold reserves, partially offset by an increase in currency reserves.

In December, the Central Bank fined three financial organizations and warned 12 institutions, including nine banks, about sanctions. The regulator excluded Nur Lombard from the register of pawnshops due to its voluntary cessation of activities.

Transportation

Uzbekistan Railways announced an increase in ticket prices for regular (sleeping), fast, and high-speed trains. The new tariffs will take effect on February 1.

The company explained its decision as necessary to reform the railway infrastructure, cover costs for fuel, electricity, logistics needs, as well as to update rolling stock and maintain stations.

Ticket prices for VIP and business class on Afrosiyob trains will increase by 25%, while economy class will rise by 20%. The cost of travel on the fast trains “Nasaf,” “Uzbekiston,” and “Shark” will go up by 30%, and sleeping trains will increase by 10.5%.

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Photo: Radmir Khabibulin / Spot

After February 1, ticket prices on Afrosiyob will be, depending on the route and class:

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