Uzbekneftegaz denies rumors about an increase in price of AI-80 gasoline

Uzbekneftegaz press secretary Mumin Ibodov commented on rumors about rising gasoline prices.

He noted that information appeared on social networks about the expected increase in prices for AI-80 fuel from November 1. The company considers the reports to be unfounded, he added.

“At gas stations owned by the JSC, gasoline will be sold at previously stated prices,” Ibodov emphasized.

Before this, it became known that the Committee for Developing Competition had introduced restrictions on the wholesale sale of AI-80 gasoline. From October 17, petrol stations can purchase no more than 10 tons of fuel per day through the commodity exchange.

Representatives of petrol stations contacted the president’s reception with a request to reduce the daily limit to 4 tons. According to them, the daily production of AI-80 gasoline in the republic averages 150 tons, and 30 to 34 private gas stations participate in exchange trading.

The introduction of limits led to a drop in the daily number of customers to 15 gas stations. As noted in the appeal, this caused “price increases in all regions,” as well as “inequality and consumer dissatisfaction”.

UzEx confirmed the introduction of a limit on the sale of AI-80 gasoline. However, representatives of the exchange emphasized that the problem is not related to the size of the limit, but to the volume of daily supply, which needs to be increased to meet demand.

In December 2022, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, at the proposal of the presidential administration, decided to temporarily reset the excise tax on the import, production and sale of AI-80 to reduce the cost of fuel. Initially, the measures were supposed to be in effect until the end of February.

On February 27, Uzbekneftegaz warned of an increase in wholesale and retail prices for AI-80 gasoline from March 1. However, on the last day of the month, the president extended the benefits until the end of this year.