The key facts

  • On November 9–11, rain is expected, with snow in mountainous and northern areas, and nighttime lows down to −7 °C in the north
  • Priority in gas supply goes to residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and social facilities
  • CNG station restrictions will follow schedules agreed with the khokimiyats, with advance notice to consumers

Cold snap and possible restrictions

Uzbekistan's Ministry of Energy reported that next week restrictions may be imposed on the operation of methane filling stations — automobile gas-filling compressor stations — in Tashkent and a number of other regions. The reason cited is the drop in air temperature and the associated increase in gas demand, reports Spot.uz citing the ministry.

Weather forecast

According to the Uzhydromet forecast, on November 9–11 rain is expected across the country, and snow in northern and mountainous areas. Nighttime temperatures in the north may drop to −2…−7 °C, and in some places in other regions to −1…−2 °C. During the day, +3…+8 °C is expected in the north and +7…+12 °C in the rest of the territory.

Who will get priority and how restrictions will be introduced

When distributing gas, priority will be given to residential buildings, schools, kindergartens, hospitals and other social facilities. If necessary, the operation of CNG stations and other seasonal consumers may be temporarily restricted. Such restrictions will be introduced on the basis of schedules agreed and approved with regional khokimiyats, and consumers will be notified in advance. In the capital and a number of regions, preparations for the start of the heating season are already underway.

Where to turn and what is recommended

The Ministry of Energy has listed round-the-clock hotlines: 1104 — gas pressure and supply issues, 104 — emergency gas service, 1154 — power outages and network faults. Illegal use of energy resources can be reported to Uzenergoinspektsiya at +998 71 208-10-15. Citizens are also urged to check the condition of heating and gas equipment, chimneys and ventilation, not to heat premises with a gas stove — this can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning — and not to overload power grids.

Context

This is not the first recent change in prices and terms for energy resources: Spot.uz previously reportedthat from November 15 propane for the population will rise in price 2.5-fold — to 5,000 soums per kilogram. Unlike the already announced propane price increase, restrictions on methane filling stations have not yet been introduced: the ministry is only speaking of possible measures 'if necessary,' so drivers using methane should watch for advance notifications.