Uzbekistan plans to abolish the monopoly on the delivery of natural and liquefied gas to consumers and involve the private sector in managing low-pressure gas distribution networks. This follows from the state program for 2024.
By the end of April, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Competition Committee, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, and the Ministry of Justice have been instructed to develop and approve a procedure for transferring natural and liquefied gas distribution networks to private businesses.
Based on the developed regulations, in 2024-2025 it is planned to identify “pilot” regions for transfer to the private sector.
By the end of July, it is planned to hold negotiations with potential companies and transfer gas distribution networks in these regions to the private sector on specific conditions.
Gas distribution network is a unified production and technological complex, including external gas pipelines, structures, technical and technological devices located on external gas pipelines, and intended for transporting natural gas from a shut-off device installed at the outlet of the gas distribution station to a shut-off device located at the border of the gas distribution network and the gas consumption network (including the gas consumption network of residential buildings).
In February, the president was presented with measures for energy security of Uzbekistan. These include the reform of gas and electricity tariffs and the introduction of social norms from April 1, the re-issuance of contracts for the purchase of electricity for $49 billion, attracting investors to the distribution and sale of electricity in Samarkand, and more. In addition, by October 1 of this year, in at least five districts it is planned to transfer the function of delivering liquefied gas to the population to a private operator.
