Cold weather prompts new methane station restrictions across Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Energy has announced that operations at methane gas filling stations will be temporarily restricted beginning at 16:00 on March 10. The authorities have not specified when the restrictions will be lifted.

According to the ministry, the measure follows a drop in air temperatures and the arrival of cold and humid air masses, which have significantly increased demand for natural gas. As a result, pressure in the country’s main gas pipelines has declined.

Officials said the restrictions are primarily intended to ensure stable gas supplies for households and social sector facilities.

“The measures are being implemented primarily to guarantee stable gas supply to the population and social sector facilities,” the ministry said in a statement.

At the same time, natural gas deliveries to facilities serving social institutions as well as public transport vehicles will continue without restrictions and will remain stable.

Authorities did not provide a timeline for when the latest limitations might be lifted.

Restrictions have continued throughout the winter

Since December last year, methane filling stations in Uzbekistan have repeatedly faced partial or complete shutdowns during periods of colder weather. The restrictions have been linked to seasonal increases in natural gas consumption.

Propane filling stations, however, have remained open throughout the winter. Nevertheless, long queues at these stations have created inconvenience for many drivers.

On March 9, cold and humid air masses entered Uzbekistan’s territory, bringing rain and snow to several areas.

Weather forecasts suggest that another wave of cold air from the north could reach the region by the middle of the current week.