Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Energy has warned that private organizations must not force citizens to use their gas equipment maintenance services or threaten to disconnect households from the gas supply if they refuse such services.
The ministry said it has recently received reports from several regions about representatives of private organizations visiting households. They offer maintenance services for gas stoves and boilers and, in some cases, claim that consumers are required to use their services or risk having their homes disconnected from the gas supply.
Under current legislation, legal entities holding the necessary permits may provide technical maintenance of gas-using equipment and gas networks. However, such services are provided based on a written, verbal or electronic order from the consumer and in accordance with established tariffs and terms.
These provisions are set out in paragraph 12 of Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 319.
The Energy Ministry stressed that private organizations are not authorized to require consumers to use their services or independently disconnect households from the gas supply for refusing them. Such demands are unlawful.
Disconnection from the gas network due to outstanding natural gas payments is carried out by the gas supply organization in accordance with the established procedure.
If consumers need to check the technical condition and safety of gas equipment or have it serviced, they may voluntarily contact the territorial gas supply organizations of Hududgazta’minot JSC.
Cases of pressure from private organizations, coercion to obtain services or threats of gas disconnection can be reported to the Ministry of Energy through the Telegram bot @anticorenergetikauz_bot or by calling the hotline at +998 71 231 10 64.
Hududgazta’minot JSC accepts complaints at +998 71 202 11 04 and 1104, as well as through the Telegram bot hgt_antikor_bot.
The Energy Ministry also urged consumers to take increased precautions when using natural and liquefied gas during the autumn-winter period. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of gas equipment and chimneys, as well as compliance with established safety requirements.
These measures are necessary to prevent gas-air mixtur
