Amid the drop in temperatures, the supply of gas to automotive gas filling compressor stations (AGFCS) has been temporarily restricted in Uzbekistan, as reported by the press service of "Uzenergoinspektsiya."
The agency noted that to maintain pressure in the gas transportation system during sudden cold spells, gas is primarily supplied to households and social facilities, and subsequently, as the pressure in the pipelines increases and returns to normal levels, the gas supply to methane refueling stations will be resumed in stages.
In the first half of this week, precipitation, mainly in the form of snow, was expected in Uzbekistan. The daytime temperature was forecasted to range from 0 to +5 degrees, with warming promised only from February 12.
“Against the backdrop of increased demand for natural gas and a sharp drop in temperatures across all regions of the republic, from February 9 to 12, gas supplies to AGFCS were temporarily reduced according to schedules established by local khokimiyats,” the "Uzenergoinspektsiya" reported.
"Gazeta.uz" writes that in recent days, there have been widespread reports in driver internet communities about long queues at gas stations. Drivers have been posting information about non-operational AGFCS in Tashkent. On February 11, some drivers claimed that all methane refueling stations in the capital were closed.
The reduction in gas supply to methane stations coincided with an accident on the main gas pipeline "Bukhara-Ural" in the Bukhara region. Initially, the Ministry of Energy reported the introduction of restrictions on the operation of gas stations but later retracted its own statement.
“After further investigation, it was determined that automotive gas filling compressor stations across all regions of the republic will continue to operate as per the previously agreed schedule with the regional khokimiyats. This means their operations will be conducted based on regional demand and pipeline pressure. Therefore, the previously provided information was amended,” stated the Ministry of Energy.
The press service of "Uztransgaz" informed "Gazeta.uz" that on February 10, the valves of the gas pipeline were shut off, after which the gas remaining in the pipe was released into the atmosphere in a controlled manner. On Monday evening, the state company announced that gas continues to be supplied to consumers without interruptions through a backup gas pipeline.
According to "Uztransgaz," the accident on the pipeline was fully eliminated on February 11, and since then, gas has been supplied in full volume. At the same time, sources from "Gazeta.uz" reported that restoring gas pressure will take time.
In a recent report on monetary policy, the Central Bank warned that an increase in gas prices for AGFCS could raise production costs due to increased transportation expenses. Starting April 1, 2025, the tariff for natural gas for all consumers, including thermal power plants (TPP), will increase to 1800 sums per cubic meter. For AGFCS, the gas price will rise by 38.8% to 2500 sums.
Earlier, Spot reported that gas and electricity outages have become the main obstacle for businesses in Tashkent.