Energy Ministry uncovers over 10,000 cases of illegal gas use in 18 months; damage estimated at UZS 1.4 trillion

Presenting the results of anti-corruption efforts covering 2025 and the first half of 2026, First Deputy Energy Minister Umid Mamadaminov said compliance units carried out 31,134 unscheduled inspections and monitoring activities during the reporting period. Of those, 17,824 took place in 2025 and another 13,310 in the first six months of 2026.

The inspections uncovered and prevented 441 corruption-related offenses, including 318 in 2025 and 123 during the first half of this year. A total of 174 violations were linked to the natural gas supply sector, while 268 involved liquefied gas.

Authorities also conducted 824 internal investigations, with materials from 611 cases referred to law enforcement agencies for further action.

Disciplinary measures were imposed on 253 employees. Of them, 127 were dismissed over corruption-related offenses, 212 received formal reprimands, and 41 were fined an amount equivalent to one month's salary. Some employees were subject to more than one disciplinary measure.

The ministry also reported 47 cases involving the theft of inventory, fuel, and lubricants, with total damages estimated at UZS 7.77 billion. All related materials have been forwarded to law enforcement authorities.

Illegal use of energy resources remained one of the sector's most significant challenges. Officials identified 10,484 violations involving the unauthorized consumption of 546 million cubic meters of natural gas, causing losses estimated at UZS 1.442 trillion. Documents related to recovering the damages have been submitted to law enforcement agencies, Mamadaminov said.

In the liquefied gas sector, authorities recorded 1,076 violations. Enforcement measures led to the closure of 406 illegal sales outlets and prevented the unlawful sale of 15,761 household gas cylinders worth UZS 7.9 billion, as well as more than 180 tonnes of liquefied gas valued at over UZS 1.2 billion.