Authorities in Uzbekistan are reportedly considering a significant increase in the retail price of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for households, raising it from 2,000 to 5,000 soms per kilogram. The proposal is outlined in a draft government resolution published by the Ministry of Economy and Finance for public discussion. Additionally, a capped delivery service fee of 1,300 soms per kilogram, including value-added tax, is proposed for participating entrepreneurs and LPG-Trade LLC.

The document suggests implementing the new pricing scheme starting October or November 2026, aligning with previously announced presidential decrees. To mitigate the financial burden on vulnerable populations, the government purportedly plans to offer a compensation of 3,000 soms per kilogram for purchased LPG. However, this subsidy will be restricted to a maximum of 20 kilograms per month, capping the monthly financial assistance at 60,000 soms per eligible household.

Officials claim that the current subsidized price of 2,000 soms has allegedly failed to ensure stable and timely deliveries to the country's estimated 4 million household consumers. Delivery intervals frequently stretch beyond standard timeframes, forcing families to acquire additional gas from alternative markets at much higher rates ranging between 11,000 and 13,500 soms per kilogram. Official data indicates that domestic production is projected to decline while reliance on imported gas surges.

According to government estimates, state subsidies for household LPG consumption averaged around 5.4 trillion soms annually between 2023 and 2025. Authorities argue that the newly proposed rate of 5,000 soms remains below true market value, as a portion of the overall supply costs will purportedly continue to be absorbed by the state budget amidst shifting energy dynamics.

Source: www.gazeta.uz