Uzbekistan is set to increase tariffs for electricity and natural gas for both households and legal entities starting June 1. The government resolution was adopted on May 15, just 15 days before the new prices take effect. The average tariff increase for consumers is approximately 9.9%.
Officials from the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy explained the hike at a meeting with journalists on May 14, citing the aging energy infrastructure, the need to modernize networks and substations, and the necessity of attracting significant funds for constructing new lines.
According to last year's government decision, from 2026 onward, energy prices will be adjusted annually on May 1, taking into account inflation but not exceeding 10%. The current increase exceeds the annual inflation rate, which stood at 7% as of April (compared to April 2025).
The additional revenue from the tariff hike is planned to be channeled into modernizing electricity and gas networks, substations, and building new lines. Ministry representatives stressed that such investments are essential to ensure the reliability of the energy system amid growing consumption, particularly due to the rising number of air conditioners, household appliances, and electric vehicles.
For residential consumers, the price per kWh of electricity is set as follows: households in apartment buildings with electric stoves typically pay 50% of the base rate. During the heating season (November to February), the price per cubic meter of natural gas for households will also increase.
Tariffs for legal entities (including businesses) are also being raised. Consumers who use gas stoves for cooking, consume gas without meters, and pay a fixed sum will see their tariffs increase as well.
The Ministry of Economy and Finance stated that a special monetary compensation mechanism has been designed to protect socially vulnerable groups from the impact of higher tariffs. Payments will be made through the National Social Protection Agency. For electricity, the state will cover up to 150 kWh beyond the basic norm; for natural gas, the compensation limit is up to 250 cubic meters during the heating season and up to 150 cubic meters during the rest of the year.
According to a ministry official, funds for the uninterrupted operation of this mechanism have already been allocated in the state budget.
On May 1, 2024, Uzbekistan raised electricity and gas prices for the first time in five years (since August 2019) and introduced social consumption norms. The base tariff for electricity increased from 295 to 450 soums per kWh (+52.5%), and for gas from 380 to 650 soums per cubic meter (+71%). On May 1, 2025, tariffs were raised again: the base price of electricity reached 600 soums per kWh, and gas reached 1,000 soums per cubic meter.
Source: www.gazeta.uz