Chairman of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan Timur Ishmetov stated at a press conference on April 29 that the inflation forecast has taken into account a possible increase in electricity and gas tariffs of up to 10%.

“The inflation forecast takes into account all state-regulated prices. We are in constant dialogue with the government. When forming the forecast, the planned increase in energy tariffs and utility payments is certainly taken into account,” he said.

Deputy Chairman Nodirbek Achilov added: “We have factored in the indexation of up to 10% announced at the beginning of the year [in our forecast]. But the [tariff increase] has not yet been announced.”

Ishmetov noted that it would be more appropriate for his colleagues in the government to answer questions about when or whether energy tariffs will be raised.

Last week, a source in the energy sector reported that Uzbekistan is discussing another revision of energy tariffs for the population. A proposal to raise gas and electricity prices, prepared by the government's economic bloc and the Ministry of Economy and Finance, is currently under consideration.

According to the source, the draft document proposes increasing electricity and natural gas tariffs by 9-10%. The final decision on the percentage has not yet been made. If approved, the new prices could take effect 15 days after the document is signed.

A government resolution for 2025 established a mechanism for annual price increases for energy resources starting May 1, 2026, taking into account inflation but not exceeding 10%. In March, annual inflation in Uzbekistan fell to 7.1%. The Central Bank forecasts further slowdown to 6.5% by year-end.

Source: www.gazeta.uz