The Committee for the Development of Competition and Protection of Consumer Rights has uncovered anti-competitive practices in the compressed natural gas (CNG) market in the Payariq district of the Samarkand region.

The investigation was launched following consumer complaints about unjustified price hikes at auto gas filling stations (AGFS) in the district, where prices were significantly higher than in neighboring areas.

Monitoring and surveys revealed that from January 5, 2026, 11 out of 12 AGFS in Payariq simultaneously raised the price of 1 cubic meter of CNG by an average of 300 soums. These stations are operated by eight limited liability companies: Temur-Bek, Sadaf Agro Servis, Raqobat Eko Gaz Servis, Jaxongir Prestij, Xudoyberdi Ramziddin Avtogaz, Amirxon Gaz Servis, Al-Asadbek Gaz Petrol Invest, and Baxrin Gaz Oil.

While prices in adjacent districts remained stable, the Payariq stations engaged in coordinated price increases. The Committee's territorial commission initiated cases under Article 19 of the Competition Law, which prohibits anti-competitive concerted actions.

Following the review, financial penalties were imposed and mandatory instructions were issued to eliminate violations and prevent recurrence. Notably, in February last year, 47 gas stations in the Bukhara region were found to have artificially inflated prices, resulting in fines against 44 entities.

Source: www.gazeta.uz