Nearly 50 gas stations in Bukhara caught colluding to hike prices

Monitoring revealed that until December 6, 2024, the retail price of 1 cubic meter of compressed gas ranged from 3,850 to 3,950 UZS. However, between December 7 and 9, the price surged to 4,150 UZS — an 8% increase.

As part of the investigation, officials analyzed the operations of 85 CNG stations to identify potential collusion or coordinated price hikes. The findings showed that 44 business entities operating 47 stations in the Bukhara region artificially inflated prices without any legitimate economic reasons, external factors, or increased costs.

The price increases occurred either simultaneously or in succession between December 5 and 13, 2024, resulting in unjustified profits at consumers' expense.

In response, a special commission launched cases against the 44 businesses for violating the Law on Competition and relevant Cabinet of Ministers regulations. Financial penalties were imposed.

Furthermore, mandatory corrective orders were issued to address the violations and prevent similar occurrences in the future.