Methane prices rise at gas stations in Uzbekistan

As of May 1, the price of methane gas at gas stations for vehicles in Uzbekistan has increased to 5,200 sums per cubic meter, confirmed by reports from social media users and a QALAMPIR.UZ source.

This price hike follows the resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers "On additional measures to introduce market mechanisms in the fuel and energy sector," adopted on April 16, 2024. Prior to the increase, methane gas was sold for between 3,900 and 4,250 sums per cubic meter, depending on the region.

The increase in methane prices is part of a broader tariff adjustment process. Electricity and natural gas tariffs were set to rise starting April 1, 2024, including a proposed increase in the price of natural gas for gas filling stations from 1,800 sums to 2,500 sums per cubic meter, a 38.9 percent increase. However, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to delay the implementation of these new tariffs until May 1. As a result, from today, May 1, the price of methane at gas stations has gone up from 5,000 sums to 5,200 sums, depending on the region.

Additionally, the increase in natural gas prices has also impacted the propane market, with prices rising by nearly 15 percent in the past month.

Notably, a Cabinet resolution from September 2023 had initially set a maximum price for methane at 3,250 sums for a six-month period, which ended on April 1, 2024. Following this, the maximum price per cubic meter was increased to 3,350 sums, and the grace period was extended for an additional two months. Starting June 1, the price will be set at 3,750 sums, valid until July 31, 2024.