Uzbekistan Extends Winter Gas Consumption Norms for Karakalpakstan and Khorezm Until 15 March

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Uzbekistan has announced an extension of the elevated natural gas consumption baseline for the heating season specifically for the Republic of Karakalpakstan and the Khorezm region. The decision will remain in effect until 15 March 2026.

The measure follows reports from Uzhydromet indicating that these northwestern regions are expected to experience a significant drop in temperatures during the first two decades of March. In response, and following a presidential directive, the Cabinet of Ministers moved to maintain the 500-cubic-meter monthly baseline for these territories to assist residents with heating costs during the extended cold snap.

Under the standard winter policy, the increased 500-cubic-meter threshold was applied nationwide from November through February. However, as of 1 March, the baseline for all other regions in Uzbekistan reverted to the standard 100-cubic-meter limit, with corresponding tariff adjustments for any consumption exceeding that amount.

The targeted extension in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm is intended to safeguard public health and provide financial relief to socially vulnerable categories of the population as they navigate unseasonably harsh weather conditions.