️ Since the morning of March 11, Wednesday, residents of Kokand city in the Fergana Region have been left without gas, while electricity is periodically cut off in many districts. This situation is exacerbated by a cold snap observed that day, with temperatures in the Fergana Valley forecast to drop to -3 degrees Celsius overnight. Although not as severe as previous anomalous cold spells, the gas supply issues have become widespread, affecting daily routines and heating systems.
️ Social media platforms are flooded with complaints from residents across all provinces of the valley—Fergana, Andijan, and Namangan. One Facebook post states, "First, they completely cut off the gas, then they started turning off the lights." Another message emphasizes, "No light, no gas... How can this happen in Fergana?" Comments also report non-functional heating systems in schools and hospitals, highlighting the broader impact on public services.
️ A video received by Gazeta from Kokand shows a gas supply company employee indicating that the pressure in the city's incoming gas pipeline is at zero. In an audio message, he noted that pressure previously never fell below 14–15 kPa but is now at 6–7 kPa (with gas supply not permitted below 12 kPa). Company staff are attempting to coordinate supplies to ensure gas reaches at least some areas, but pressure continues to fluctuate and decline.
️ Another audio message circulating on social media features a Kokand gas supply representative stating that the city's No. 3 Combined Heat and Power Plant (CHPP), which runs on gas, has also been shut down due to the shortage. He pointed out that this situation is being observed across all districts of the Fergana Valley and expressed hope that gas would be restored within a day or two, though no firm timeline was provided.
️ Gazeta interviewed Nozima Mahmudova, a teacher and author of the Telegram channel "Podumayem o nas," who lives in Kokand's Baqa-Chorsu street. She reported that residents in her neighborhood were warned gas might be unavailable for about a week. Additionally, due to grid overload, people were asked to reduce their use of electric heaters. Electricity was cut off in the evening, only restored the next afternoon, and intermittent outages have persisted since.
️ When asked how they are coping without gas and electricity, Mahmudova described using a fireplace for cooking, purchasing food prepared on propane cylinders, and adapting a "Dutch" stove for wood. She added that there is no way to take a shower, and smoke from the stove is causing headaches. Many residents are staying with relatives who have air conditioners or wood-burning stoves to keep warm.
️ Mahmudova noted that such severe disruptions have been rare since the early 2000s, with past outages usually explained by understandable reasons like maintenance. On March 12, the "Hududgaz Fergana" branch of "Hududgazta'minot" company announced that the drop in air temperature had led to increased gas consumption, resulting in decreased pressure in main gas pipelines.
️ Official authorities stated that work is underway to stabilize gas supply, restore pressure to normal levels, and adjust operational modes, with priority given to ensuring uninterrupted supply to households and social facilities. They promised gas would be restored once pressure stabilizes and urged residents to use gas rationally and follow safety rules. However, no specific timeline for resolving the gas pressure issue has been provided, leaving many in uncertainty.
Source: www.gazeta.uz