Investigation launched into unjustified propane price hikes

Earlier, the Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection Committee reported that liquefied gas (propane) prices had risen due to an increase in the share and cost of imported products on the market. The committee has now launched proceedings against entities that allegedly took advantage of temporary restrictions on methane gas to unjustifiably raise propane prices.

It was noted that in November–December 2025, market participants were issued preventive warnings urging them not to unreasonably increase propane prices by exploiting the temporary methane supply restrictions that emerged during that period.

However, the committee stated that it has identified signs of manipulation and coordinated actions by certain business entities that have led to unjustified price increases in violation of fair competition principles.

According to the committee, formal case initiation procedures have been launched in line with established regulations based on the detected signs of legal violations.

In addition, so-called “corrective” measures are being implemented to stabilize prices on exchange trading platforms. These include instructions sent to exchange participants requiring them to supply products to the market in full volumes and on a consistent basis.

For reference, starting from January 8 this year, methane filling stations across Uzbekistan began operating from 10:00 to 16:00 due to a drop in pressure in main gas pipelines.