Uzbekistan sees sharp rise in propane and AI-80 gasoline prices amid shortages

Over the past five months, the price of propane in Uzbekistan has nearly doubled, reaching 10.2 million UZS per ton in early November, up from 5.3 million UZS in early June, according to recent trading data. The 91.4% price increase has also been accompanied by a significant rise in AI-80 gasoline prices, with some regions facing noticeable shortages at fuel stations.

In addition to propane’s sharp increase, AI-80 gasoline prices surged by 26.2% year-over-year, with a ton now priced at 9.998 million UZS, up from 7.375 million UZS in the same period last year. This trend has strained consumers and underscored concerns about fuel availability.

Government officials attribute these hikes to production constraints and increased demand. Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov noted that the supply of propane and butane has not kept pace with the 1.57-fold increase in vehicles running on propane. The Competition Committee had launched an investigation into the propane pricing system in August, but findings have yet to be disclosed.

Comparative data from Globalpetrolprices.com reveals that Uzbekistan’s gasoline prices are among the highest in Central Asia. As of November 4, high-quality gasoline costs approximately 12,670 UZS per liter, double the prices in neighboring Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan and even exceeding prices in the U.S. (11,580 UZS).

To address the fuel shortage, Uzbekistan has ramped up gasoline imports, primarily from Russia. Imports from geographically closer neighbors Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan remain limited.