Energy Ministry distances itself from HGT gas-monitoring app after ownership controversy

The app was introduced by the Ministry of Energy in November 2024.

“The Ministry of Energy and Hududgaztaminot JSC have launched a test version of the Hudud Gaz Taminot mobile app, which allows household consumers to monitor their natural gas usage and expenses online. Through the app, consumers can track their daily and monthly gas consumption, pay gas bills, and for liquefied gas users – top up accounts and access the list of connected cylinders,” the ministry said at the time.

When the app first launched, all data and features were available free of charge. Later, some existing and newly added functions became accessible only with a UZS 5,000 premium subscription. This triggered public criticism, with users asking: “Why is the state charging us extra money?”

Entrepreneur Alisher Tojiyev responded on X, stating that the app is entirely his property and was created with his own funds.

“No state budget funds were used to develop the HGT project. Why then did the Ministry of Energy and Hududgaztaminot write about the project on their channels? After developing the project, I presented it to the relevant organizations. I openly admit that I intended to work under a public–private partnership model. But because no legal framework could be found, my proposal was rejected.

[…] When I first developed the project, the app displayed the name and logo of Hududgaztaminot JSC, because, as mentioned, my intention was to work in partnership. But later, Hududgaztaminot officially asked us to remove their name and logo, stating that it misled consumers. We removed them immediately,” Tojiyev wrote.

He added that some paid features were introduced due to operational costs required to maintain the app.

Hududgaztaminot’s explanation

Amid growing debate, a Kun.uz reporter asked Hududgaztaminot’s press service to clarify the state company’s role in creating the HGT app. The company later issued an official statement emphasizing that there are already official and free tools for monitoring gas consumption, and confirming that no final agreement had been reached with the entrepreneur.

“According to an initial agreement between Hududgaztaminot JSC and UIC, the HGT mobile app was launched in test mode in 2024. However, the parties did not reach a final agreement on using the app. Today, the app is operated by an independent entity, and its services are not determined by Hududgaztaminot JSC,” the company said.

The statement added that consumers already have official, free ways to monitor gas usage. For example:

• Through the personal account on the official website www.hududgaz.uz, where daily/monthly gas consumption, payments and other data can be viewed.
• In the “My home” menu of the Mygov mobile app, which also provides access to usage data.
• The Soliq mobile app and all payment apps display monthly consumption, usage within the basic norm, the latest meter readings and payment information.

Access to API and personal data issues

According to the gas supply agency, gas consumption data is stored on the Interagency Integration Platform, and organizations wishing to use it must apply and set up integration in accordance with existing procedures.

Entrepreneur Alisher Tojiyev said all data is obtained from the e-government system based on the user’s explicit consent. He added that the Cybersecurity Center had issued an expert conclusion on the project.