Weekly digest: US stops allocating money to Uzbekistan, gas and electricity prices will not increase

We have left another Ramadan behind, and we are fortunate to congratulate you on another Eid. These days, we deeply feel the value of peace, serenity, health, unity, and kindness. If, during this holy month, we have refrained from speaking ill of others, gossiping, slandering, taking what is not ours, accepting bribes, or oppressing the weak, we hope to continue living with the same virtues in the months ahead.  

Electricity and gas prices will not increase from April 1  

Good news! Electricity and gas prices will not increase from April 1. But don’t get too excited—the price hike has only been postponed by one month, until May 1.  

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed the Cabinet of Ministers to expedite the implementation of new tariffs for electricity and gas production. The responsibility for supplying non-energy resources to business entities has been entrusted to private entrepreneurs.  

According to the Ministry of Energy, if electricity and natural gas are paid for in advance, the current tariffs will remain unchanged for up to two years.  

On March 26, the president called for energy conservation and efficient resource utilization. This issue is critical for Uzbekistan today. By 2020, the government was expected to allocate $41 million for energy resources, aiming for a 1.5% reduction in consumption. In response, the president’s administration has established a task force to oversee the economic management of natural gas and electricity. This year, the goal is to save 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas and 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.  

To achieve this, large industrial enterprises must first install modern energy-saving equipment and reduce energy waste. The government must implement and monitor a new system for energy conservation.  

In 2022, the country produced 81.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity—an increase of 38% compared to 2016. Of this, 67.5 billion kilowatt-hours were delivered to consumers, a 48% rise from 2016. However, challenges remain. In recent years, electricity and gas shortages have become more frequent, not only in remote areas but also in the capital.  

At a time when regions are experiencing energy shortages, reports have surfaced about officials and deputies discussing energy conservation. For instance, MP Alisher Kadyrov sparked discussion on social media this year by stating that people who use gas for heating and cooking in the cold winter should not be complacent.  

Are there any gas or electricity shortages in your area? How much of your income do you spend on electricity and gas? Share your thoughts in the comments!

More changes coming regarding "tinting"  

We live in interesting times! The state-set price for tinting car windows is currently 3,750,000 soums—10 times the minimum wage. However, the fine for unauthorized tinting is significantly higher, at 9,375,000 soums—25 times the minimum wage. Isn't this a bit excessive? But let’s set that aside for a moment. There is expected to be good news regarding tinting next month.  

Drivers who tint their windows in violation of the requirements specified in their permit may be fined one time the minimum wage, or 375,000 soums. This is stated in the draft law “On Amendments and Addenda to the Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Administrative Responsibility,” which was submitted for public discussion by the Ministry of Internal Affairs this week.  

A new article, 126¹, is being introduced into the Code of Administrative Responsibility to address this issue.  

So, what does this mean? Let’s say you have a permit for tinting, which specifies that your windshield must have at least 50% solar transmittance. If you ignore this requirement and reduce it to 30% or even completely darken it, the current law (Article 126 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility) imposes a hefty fine of 9,375,000 soums. There has been no clear distinction between those who had a permit but exceeded the allowed tinting level and those who tinted their windows without a permit. Now, under the proposed changes, those with a permit who exceed the permitted tint level will be fined separately, ensuring a fairer system.  

Additionally, the draft law extends the deadline for paying traffic fines. Currently, violators must pay within 60 days of the fine being issued. The proposed amendment increases this period to 90 days, as stipulated in Part 2 of Article 332 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility.  

The discussion on this draft law will continue until April 11.  

Iftar ceremony led by Shavkat Mirziyoyev  

Since 2017, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, iftar ceremonies have become a tradition in Uzbekistan. This year’s iftar was held on March 25, on the eve of the Night of Power. Charity tables were set across all regions, and the president attended the ceremony at the Kuksaroy residence.  

The event was attended by activists, elders, members of parliament, leaders of Muslim organizations, and ambassadors of foreign countries. In his speech, the president emphasized the importance of studying and widely sharing the humanistic essence of Islam, as well as preserving and promoting the rich historical and cultural heritage of great scholars in Uzbekistan.  

It was announced that a new mosque for 10,000 worshippers is being built in the Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand, set to open this year.  

The president also addressed global issues, expressing regret that many conflicts today are occurring in the Islamic world. He warned that unrest could spread further and stressed the urgency of strengthening unity and solidarity among Muslim nations to maintain peace and stability.  

To achieve this, he highlighted the need to protect young people from harmful foreign ideologies and to guide them toward science and education.  

The ceremony included the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran, followed by prayers for global peace, national prosperity, and stability in the afterlife. Mufti Nuriddin Kholiknazarov, chairman of the Muslim Board, led the prayers, asking for blessings upon the president and his parents.

Another incident at the “25th Anniversary of Independence” gas field?  

Another explosion has occurred at the “25th Anniversary of Independence” gas field in the Boysun district of Surkhandarya region. However, this time, the incident took place at a newly drilled well, rather than in the area where the previous accident occurred.  

The Ministry of Energy has denied that it was an explosion, instead describing it as a controlled release of hydrogen sulfide from well No. 202 at the M-25 gas field. According to the ministry, the well was intentionally ignited to prevent environmental harm and air pollution.  

Authorities have confirmed that no injuries resulted from the incident.  

“It should be noted that this situation does not pose any threat to the population or surrounding areas. The process is under full control of specialists from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the State Inspection for Industrial and Technological Supervision, and the Uzbek Military Unit for the Prevention and Elimination of Open Oil and Gas Spills,” the statement read.  

This is not the first such occurrence. Six months ago, in early September 2024, a hydrogen sulfide leak was detected at the same gas field, attributed to a technological failure.  

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas that directly affects the nervous system. It can paralyze the olfactory nerve, causing a person to lose the ability to smell the gas. Even low concentrations can lead to dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting, while high concentrations can cause coma, seizures, pulmonary edema, and even death.  

488 convicts pardoned for Ramadan Eid  

Following annual tradition, 488 convicts in Uzbekistan have been pardoned in honor of Ramadan Eid. The president signed a decree titled “On pardoning a group of persons serving their sentences, sincerely repenting of their actions, and resolutely embarking on the path of correction.”  

According to the decree:  
- 100 convicts were fully released from their sentences,  
- 268 were granted parole,  
- 34 had their sentences commuted to lighter punishments, and  
- 86 had their sentences reduced.  

Among those pardoned were 17 foreign nationals, 37 women, 37 men over the age of 60, 167 young people (including one minor), and five individuals who had participated in banned organizations.  

While such acts of clemency have become a tradition in Uzbekistan, reports of mistreatment in detention facilities persist.  

This week, news surfaced about a convict in Residential Colony No. 50 in the Piskent district of Tashkent region, who was allegedly tortured by prison staff and unjustly placed in a disciplinary unit. The individual later filed a complaint with the Ombudsman of the Oliy Majlis for Human Rights.  

Following an investigation, the Ombudsman confirmed that the convict had been transferred to the Piskent district central hospital, where doctors found signs of physical abuse on his head and chest.  

According to case records, the convict, identified as T.I., was placed in the disciplinary unit on February 27, 2025, for a 10-day term. However, the Tashkent Special Prosecutor reviewed the case and ruled that the decision violated Articles 105 and 111 of the Criminal Procedure Code.  

It was revealed that the convict had been unjustly held in the disciplinary unit for six days, violating his rights and freedoms. As a result, the Ombudsman submitted a formal request to the Prosecutor General’s Office, calling for disciplinary measures against the prison staff responsible for the violations.

Emergency situations officer caught taking bribe

The deputy head of the Tashkent City Emergency Situations Department has been caught taking bribes. His illegal actions were uncovered during an operation conducted by the State Security Service as part of its ongoing fight against corruption. 

It is alleged that he abused his official position by systematically accepting bribes in exchange for approving the design plans of buildings in Tashkent, signing off on automatic fire alarm system inspections, and providing favorable opinions for the commissioning of newly constructed or renovated buildings by the State Acceptance Commission.  

Among the facilities involved in the case are a secondary school and a medical institution.  

A criminal case has been initiated against him under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code, and he has been placed under arrest as a precautionary measure. Preliminary investigations are ongoing. However, the State Security Service has not disclosed details regarding the amount of the bribe, the suspect’s identity, or the specific charges filed against him.  

New legal amendments establish additional liability for mass unrest

Uzbekistan has introduced new legal provisions criminalizing training with the intent to incite mass unrest. The amendments, passed last week as part of the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On Amendments to Article 244 of the Criminal Code,” establish liability for both engaging in such training and financing related activities.  

Under the revised law, individuals who undergo training aimed at orchestrating mass riots—including acquiring knowledge, skills, or practical experience in handling weapons, explosive devices, poisonous substances, or other hazardous materials—will face criminal liability.  

However, the law also provides an exemption from prosecution for those who voluntarily report their involvement to authorities. To qualify for exemption, an individual must actively assist in exposing the crime, identifying others involved in such training, uncovering its financiers and organizers, and revealing the location where the training was conducted. This exemption applies only if their actions do not constitute additional criminal offenses.  

For reference, the existing Article 244 of the Criminal Code imposes penalties ranging from fines amounting to 300 times the minimum wage to a maximum of 15 years in prison for offenses such as inciting mass riots, resisting law enforcement with weapons, and similar acts.

US ends funding for Uzbekistan’s cotton industry

The United States Department of Labor has announced that it will no longer allocate millions of dollars in funding aimed at "increasing transparency" in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry. US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-Deremer made this announcement in a video message posted on her social media page.  

In her statement, Chavez-Deremer revealed that the US had allocated more than $38 million to similar programs in recent years, emphasizing that even American taxpayers were unaware of these expenditures.  

“Last week, the department cut more than $38 million in funding and eliminated several foreign aid grants. I’m sure you didn’t know that your hard-earned tax dollars were being spent on things like increasing transparency and accountability in the cotton industry in Uzbekistan, advancing climate change policies in Brazil and Colombia, supporting collective bargaining in Indonesia and Guatemala, and monitoring labor standards in the Democratic Republic of the Congo,” she said.  

The Labor Secretary voiced her support for President Donald Trump’s policies, stating that the US would no longer spend money on such initiatives abroad.  

“From day one, I promised that putting American workers first would be our top priority at the Department of Labor. At President Trump’s direction, we have wasted no time in doing our job. Simply put, we are eliminating programs that put America last. I have directed my team at the Department of Labor to identify more opportunities to save you money. I will continue to fight to put American workers first by eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and ensuring those dollars are returned to our workforce,” she added.  

As previously reported, after taking office, President Trump officially suspended 83 percent of the programs run by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This decision sparked tensions between the agency and the Trump administration regarding USAID’s future operations.  

Recently, a federal judge in Maryland, Theodore Chuang, ruled that suspending USAID's activities was unlawful and ordered the agency’s restoration. However, the ruling does not guarantee the continuation of all USAID programs.  

For years, USAID has provided financial assistance to Uzbekistan’s government in various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, environmental protection, clean water access, women’s employment, and business.

Meanwhile, Uzbekistan has signed a contract with a Kazakh company for the supply of uranium to France. This follows an earlier agreement on uranium signed during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to France from March 11-13.  

According to the deal, the Kazakh company will deliver 500 containers of uranium concentrate to France via St. Petersburg. The shipment must be completed within 15 days from the date of departure from the Russian port.  

The initial contract price was €11 million, though this amount was later reduced. The uranium is expected to be transported by the end of the first quarter of 2026.