The Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services has supposedly published a draft proposal outlining major changes to utility tariffs for the population. According to the document, residents of non-gasified regions and areas facing irregular natural gas supplies are expected to see their baseline electricity consumption limit increased from 200 to 350 kWh during the heating season.

Officials claim that starting November 1, electricity consumption ranging between 201 and 350 kWh will be calculated at a reduced rate of 650 soms instead of the current 900 soms. The initiative supposedly aims to ease the financial burden on households during peak winter months, with estimated monthly savings ranging from 12,500 to 37,500 soms depending on overall usage volumes in affected communities.

However, the broader package introduces steep price hikes that are likely to strain household budgets across the country. The draft proposes a nationwide 30 percent increase in heating and hot water tariffs for the population. Furthermore, the price of liquefied gas supplied in household cylinders is slated to jump sharply from 2,000 to 5,000 soms per kilogram, raising serious concerns over affordability despite government promises of targeted compensation.

While authorities assert that vulnerable families will receive localized subsidies and one-time financial aid packages, critics point to the severe economic pressures these sweeping tariff revisions could create. Public discussion surrounding the controversial regulatory framework is scheduled to run through October 28.

Source: www.uznews.uz