The planned increase in electricity and natural gas tariffs in Uzbekistan, set for April of this year, will lead to a 2 percentage point rise in inflation. This was stated by Samigjon Inogomov, the director of the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Department, during a media dialogue on February 12, as reported by Spot's correspondent.
In response to a question from Spot's journalist regarding the impact on inflation of the proposed restriction on the sale of AI-80 gasoline starting in 2026, the official noted that similar plans had been postponed multiple times in the past. The regulator distinguishes between inflationary factors that are regulated by the government and those governed by legal acts, and other factors considered as "uncertainties and risks."
“We have made our calculations regarding the impact of the April increase in tariffs for electricity, natural gas, and methane on inflation. According to preliminary data, we estimate the inflation rise at 2 percentage points. This has been factored into our forecasts, which indicate that by the end of the year, inflation will be 7-8%,” said a representative of the Central Bank.
Inogomov noted that in April, a slight acceleration in the annual overall inflation rate is expected, amounting to 2 percentage points. However, in May, the figure will decrease as last year's tariff hikes for electricity and natural gas will no longer be included in the inflation calculations.
In a recent report on monetary policy, the Central Bank warned that the increase in gas prices for CNG stations could raise production costs due to higher transportation expenses. Starting April 1, 2025, the tariff for natural gas for all consumers, including thermal power plants (TPPs), will rise to 1800 sums per cubic meter. For CNG stations, the gas price will increase by 38.8% to 2500 sums.
Earlier, Spot reported that the "Uzenergoinspektsiya" has been authorized to conduct round-the-clock inspections of energy resource usage.