Energy Ministry limits methane filling station operations again

The Ministry of Energy has announced that automobile compressed natural gas filling stations, commonly referred to as “methane filling stations,” will once again operate only from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Photo: Kun.uz

Starting January 8, methane filling stations will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Ministry of Energy reported.

According to the ministry, a decline in pressure in main gas pipelines has been observed, prompting the implementation of a number of necessary measures. “In particular, one of our top priorities is to ensure a stable supply of natural gas to households and social sector facilities. Therefore, based on schedules agreed with local authorities, temporary restrictions are being imposed on the operation of methane filling stations in order to guarantee a reliable natural gas supply to households and social infrastructure,” the statement said.

It was noted that in the Fergana Valley, the operating hours of methane filling stations will be determined in coordination with local authorities and “implemented based on gas pressure levels.”

“The main reason is that during periods of reduced gas pressure, the ministry and local authorities prioritize the uninterrupted supply of natural gas (fuel) to households, public transportation, and social sector facilities. In other words, ensuring the stable operation of public transport, meeting the needs of socially significant facilities, and covering household demand are considered priority tasks. Therefore, depending on the overall state of gas supply, pressure levels, and consumption volumes, the operating schedules of methane filling stations are coordinated with local authorities. These measures are being implemented to ensure the rational use of gas resources and maintain stable supply,” the ministry said.

The statement emphasized that these necessary measures are temporary, and practical efforts are underway to restore gas pressure to normal levels.

Temporary restrictions on the operation of methane filling stations were first introduced on December 12. The Ministry of Energy explained the move by citing a reduction in imported natural gas due to a technical malfunction in a neighboring country’s gas network. Subsequently, starting December 30, all methane filling stations were returned to a 24-hour operating schedule.