Illegal gas usage in Uzbekistan leads to massive losses

From December 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025, illegal gas usage in Uzbekistan resulted in a loss of 327 billion soums, according to the Ministry of Energy.

During this period, 167 instances of unauthorized natural gas use were uncovered, leading to the unjustified consumption of 82 million 158.9 thousand cubic meters of natural gas. This caused financial damage amounting to 210 billion 428.2 million soums.

Furthermore, "Hududgaztaminot" JSC employees identified 6,472 cases of illegal gas usage, recalculating 117 billion 300 million soums for 50 million 890 thousand cubic meters of gas. Additionally, authorities prevented the illegal sale of 77.8 tons of liquefied gas, equivalent to 36,000 cubic meters, in 4,942 household gas cylinders.

The report highlights that the total illegal use of natural gas during the reporting period reached 133 million 84.9 thousand cubic meters, which could have satisfied the one-month gas demand for 266,170 households during the winter. Had these resources been used efficiently, methane gas stations could have operated for 10 consecutive days.

Relevant documentation for each identified case has been sent to the appropriate regulatory bodies.

Earlier reports indicated that individuals involved in a methane "gas station" in the Syrdarya region, which illegally consumed 5.7 billion soums of natural gas, had thrown drugs into the car of an "Uzenergoinspection" (Uzenergoinspeksiya) employee during an inspection.