The key facts

  • By May 1, 2027, the Ministry of Economy and Finance and the Ministry of Energy will present proposals on liberalizing liquefied gas prices; exact timelines for the transition to free prices have not been set.
  • Since October 1, a pilot is underway in Andijan region: private businesses import gas and sell it to the population at market prices; a phased privatization of LPG-Trade is planned.
  • The regulated price is proposed to be raised from 2,000 to 5,000 soums per kg; those in need will receive a compensation of 3,000 soums per kg, up to a maximum of 60,000 soums per month.

Reform Draft Put Up for Discussion

The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan has published for public discussion a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on reforming the liquefied gas market. The document provides for the phased liberalization of regulated prices and the expansion of private sector participation in supplying gas to the population. By May 1, 2027, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, together with the Ministry of Energy, must present the government with proposals on price liberalization, taking into account the level of market development, the results of pilot projects, and the need for social protection of the population. The draft does not set specific timelines for the transition to free prices for all household consumers.

Pilot with Private Suppliers

Under a presidential resolution of September 12, 2026, an experiment was launched in Andijan region on October 1: private entrepreneurs are allowed to import liquefied gas and supply it directly to the population in household cylinders at free prices. According to explanatory materials from the authorities, at the first stage, supplies under the regulated system will remain in place, while private operators will be able to offer additional volumes at market prices. Based on the results of the experiment, the model may be extended to other regions, and the participation of private companies in the import, storage, and delivery of gas may be expanded.

Privatization of LPG-Trade and Sale of Cylinders in Stores

The reform will affect LPG-Trade, a company created under JSC Khududgaztaminot for exchange-based gas purchases and supplies to household consumers. With the involvement of international consulting companies, a privatization strategy for its assets is to be developed, including the phased privatization of regional branches as ready-made business projects. In the future, the authorities intend to change the current model under which consumers receive mainly 20-kilogram cylinders at set intervals: citizens will be able to choose the supplier, volume, and time of purchase themselves. Free sale of 5 kg and 10 kg cylinders is being considered, not only with delivery through private operators but also in ordinary stores and supermarkets. The transition will be phased, as competition develops; the timing of the start of retail sales has not been determined.

Separate Cylinders for Several Families in One House

The draft proposes allowing each family living in one household to be issued a separate household gas cylinder, even if the house has a single cadastral number. The condition is the presence of a separate or shared kitchen and a gas stove that meets technical requirements. To complete the paperwork, the mahalla seven-member commission and the gas supply organization must inspect the household and draw up an act. These changes are proposed to be introduced from November 1, 2026.

Price Increase and Compensations

Uzbekistan has about 4 million household liquefied gas consumers. The Ministry of Economy and Finance proposed raising the regulated retail price from 2,000 to 5,000 soums per kilogram — a 2.5-fold increase, citing declining domestic production, growing imports, and insufficient supply volumes. Needy families are to receive a compensation of 3,000 soums for each kilogram purchased within 20 kg per month, with a maximum of 60,000 soums per month. The difference between the exchange purchase cost and the state price is planned to be covered by subsidies to LPG-Trade from the republican budget. In addition, ahead of the heating season, more than 1 million needy families are proposed to be paid 1 million soums each in November; it is also planned to expand the circle of recipients of compensations for electricity, gas, and coal, extend the payments, and increase the basic electricity norm to 350 kWh for residents of areas without gas supply.