With the onset of winter, operating hours of methane filling stations have been restricted again, and lines now stretch for kilometers. In this situation, the press secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Hasan Toshkhojaev, advised drivers to switch to gasoline or buy an electric car in response to Kun.uz's questions. He attributed the current situation to the weather: "December is not usually this cold, but this year we are experiencing an unusual climate."
Winter comes to Uzbekistan every year, and just as it is normal for winters to be cold, energy issues during winter have become just as predictable. Gas shortages, pressure drops, and energy deficits are observed everywhere — from methane filling stations to household gas supplies.
This year, too, with the onset of cold weather, the operating hours of methane filling stations have been restricted. The priority is to ensure gas supply to households and social facilities. Meanwhile, long queues have formed at methane stations, and drivers are frustrated by the lack of both gas and gasoline.
Notably, the Ministry of Energy has once again pointed to "anomalous" weather conditions this year. While Hasan Toshkhojaev did not use the word "anomalous" in his conversation with Kun.uz, he did mention the "unique climate" as a reason for the current situation.
"Yes, winter always comes, but compared to previous years, December has not been this cold before. This year, we are experiencing a unique climate. It has been cold since the start of December, and forecasts indicate this will continue until the end of the month. Next week is expected to be even colder," he said.
The minister noted that preparations for winter were made based on three scenarios, all focused on ensuring heating for households and social infrastructure as a priority.
Regarding the closure of methane filling stations, Toshkhojaev explained: "Each region determines the hours of operation based on its own capabilities and weather conditions."
He also mentioned that if a methane station is closed, drivers have alternatives: "They can simply switch to gasoline. We have doubled the supply of gasoline to the market, and if necessary, we can triple it. There is no shortage; reserves are sufficient."
In Tashkent, gas stations are operating only at certain hours, with some remaining closed even during the day. Drivers, including those who rely on their vehicles for a living, are frustrated.
