Uzbekistan Restricts Methane Filling Station Hours Due to Gas Pipeline Pressure Issues
Uzbek authorities have restricted operational hours for methane filling stations to 10 am to 4 pm starting January 8 due to decreased gas pipeline pressure, impacting private vehicles. This measure aims to ensure reliable gas supplies for public transportation, as the country grapples with energy shortages and transitions from a net exporter to a net importer of natural gas. Plans are underway to address these challenges, including contracts for gas imports from Turkmenistan and the development of nuclear power plants.
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Uzbek authorities have imposed temporary restrictions on methane filling stations due to decreased pressure in gas pipelines, affecting private vehicles. Starting January 8, operational hours will be limited to 10 am to 4 pm, down from 24-hour service.
The Ministry of Energy stated this measure is necessary to ensure uninterrupted gas supplies for public transportation. Natural gas accounts for 79% of Uzbekistan's energy supply, and the country transitioned from a net exporter to a net importer since 2020.
In 2025, Uzbekistan exported over $624 million of natural gas, mainly to China, while importing over $1.5 billion in the same period. Contracts were signed with Turkmenistan for gas imports to address shortages. The country's energy consumption has surpassed production, leading to a search for solutions, including plans for nuclear power plants, with the first large unit expected to operate by 2033.
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