Competition Committee penalizes gas supplier for unauthorized tariff increases at Angren TPP

The investigation was initiated following a formal complaint filed by the operator of the Angren TPP with the Tashkent Regional Department of the Competition Committee. The TPP management alleged that the supplier, Yerostigaz, abruptly and significantly increased fuel delivery tariffs in February 2024 without providing the required prior notification.

During the inquiry, committee officials discovered a stark disparity between the agreed-upon contractual rates and the actual prices billed by the supplier. Specifically, contractual price was UZS 135,969 per cubic meter, while the supplier charged the TPP UZS 265,536 per cubic meter.

The committee determined that Yerostigaz generated UZS 1.8 billion in unjustified revenue during February 2024 alone. An additional UZS 1 billion in overcharges was recorded during the first 12 days of March 2024, bringing the total excess amount to UZS 2.8 billion.

Following the deliberations, a Special Commission of the regional department initiated a case against Yerostigaz for violating the Law "On Competition" and Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 239.

As a result of these findings, the regulatory body has imposed a financial fine on Yerostigaz for legal non-compliance and issued a directive to return the UZS 2.8 billion in overpayments to the end consumer. In addition, the committee ordered the elimination of existing violations and the prevention of future occurrences.

The matter is currently undergoing a judicial review in court to finalize the enforcement of the committee's directives.