Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov commented on suggestions that Uzbekistan is creating an artificial shortage of energy resources in order to achieve the approval of the “tripartite gas union” with Russia and Kazakhstan among the population.
According to the head of the Energy Ministry, the shortage of energy resources, which led to interruptions in the supply of electricity and gas, is not related to external factors.
“Disruptions are associated with an increase in domestic consumption, economic growth, an increase in the number and well-being of the population, as a result of which the need for energy resources has sharply increased. First of all, it should be noted that it is our fault that we cannot satisfy this need in sufficient volume,” he said.
According to the minister, the growing demand entails the need to import energy resources.
“In order to meet this need and solve the problems that have arisen, we are negotiating the import of natural gas and electricity from neighboring countries, and not through an alliance or union. Based on national interests, negotiations are underway on cooperation on the basis of commercial contracts, and not through the transfer of their energy networks,” the head of the Energy Ministry reported.
Earlier, it was reported that during the talks in the Kremlin, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Vladimir Putin discussed the creation of a “tripartite gas union” consisting of Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in order to coordinate actions in the transportation of Russian gas through the territories of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
