Uzbekistan denies reports of lowered electricity export rates to Afghanistan

Last week, Uzbekistan hosted negotiations with an Afghan delegation led by Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. During the meetings, the parties discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in trade, energy, and transportation.

Both sides agreed to expand the Surkhan – Pul-e-Khumri power transmission line project, which operates at 220-500 kV. The project will now include the construction of new substations and networks. Due to cost optimization and increased use of localized materials, the total construction cost has been reduced from $252 million to $222 million.

Currently, the contract is in the approval stage and will be signed upon completion of all necessary procedures.

Earlier, Abdul Ghani Baradar had claimed that electricity tariffs were being lowered. He also stated that as a result of negotiations with the Uzbek side, an agreement was reached to increase electricity supply volumes during the summer season.