Uzbekistan increases gas tariffs from April 1

Uzbekistan, Tashkent, March 27 / Trend D.Azizov / National Holding Company (NHC) Uzbekneftegaz has announced a rise in tariffs for natural gas sold to the population and wholesale customers from April 1, 2012. New tariffs have been approved by the Finance Ministry, the company said on Tuesday. According to the company, the cost per cubic meter of natural gas allocated to population if there is a counter, increases by 14 per cent from the current 94.5 soums to 107.7 soums. If there is no counter, the price for 10 cubic meters of gas used for cooking and hot water, will be 1862.65 soums (1633.9 soums at the moment). The cost of 10 cubic meters of gas used for heating, increased from 757.7 to 863.8 soums. In houses equipped with electric stoves, the cost per kilowatt / hour of electricity will be increased to 48.75 soums from 45.55 soums. The last time gas prices rose in Uzbekistan was in October last year. Then the growth of tariffs was almost nine per cent. As previously reported, from April 1 the State Joint Stock Company Uzbekenergo will raise tariffs on electric energy. According to the company, the cost per kilowatt / hour of electricity will increase by seven per cent to 97.5 soums (previously - 91.1 soums). In houses equipped with electric stoves, the cost per kilowatt / hour of electricity will increase to 48.75 soums from 45.55 soums. The last time the price for electricity rose in Uzbekistan was on October 1, 2011. Then the increase in electricity tariffs was nine per cent. Also, from April 1 Uzbekistan will increase tariffs for central heating and hot water supply- by 15.5 per cent, cold water 11 per cent, and electricity seven per cent. The official exchange rate is 1843,50/$ 1on March 27.