Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan is considering a 30% increase in household heating and hot water tariffs from 1 November 2026, alongside expanded financial assistance for vulnerable families and a higher electricity consumption allowance for households in areas without natural gas during the heating season.
The proposed measures were discussed at a press conference attended by representatives of the Ministry of Energy, the National Agency for Social Protection, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Construction, Issiqlikta’minoti JSC and Hududgazta’minot JSC. The discussions focused on energy tariff reforms, the reliability of utility supplies and compensation mechanisms for families struggling to pay their bills.
The proposed changes are intended to bring tariffs closer to the actual costs of producing and delivering energy resources and maintaining and modernising infrastructure. At the same time, the authorities plan to expand targeted assistance for households facing difficulties paying utility bills.
Heating and hot water tariffs
Centralised heating tariffs in many regions of Uzbekistan have not been revised for several years. Rates remained largely unchanged between 2020 and 2023, while the latest household tariffs in Bukhara, Jizzakh, Namangan, Samarkand and Khorezm regions were approved in 2024.
According to figures presented at the press conference, current tariffs are approximately five times lower than the cost of providing the services. The government allocated 3.5 trillion soums to cover the difference in 2025 and plans to allocate 3.8 trillion soums in 2026. Losses at enterprises within the Issiqlik ta’minoti system amounted to 70 billion soums in 2025 and 120 billion soums in the first half of 2026.
Centralised heating serves approximately 5% of Uzbekistan's population. Of the country's 46,200 apartment buildings, 16,700, or 36%, can connect to the system. Of these, 9,000 are in Tashkent, 2,500 in Tashkent region and 1,500 in Navoi region.
The proposed nationwide increase would raise household heating and hot water tariffs by 30% from 1 November. Even after the adjustment, tariffs are expected to remain almost four times below the cost of providing the services.
For businesses and other legal entities, tariffs are planned to be set according to service costs. Depending on the calculations, rates could rise in some regions, fall in certain cities and remain unchanged in Tashkent, Ferghana and Khorezm regions.
Higher electricity allowance in areas without natural gas
Electricity consumption rises during winter in areas without natural gas or where gas supplies are interrupted. An analysis covering September 2025 to August 2026 identified approximately four million electricity subscribers in such areas during the heating season.
The authorities are therefore proposing to increase the monthly basic electricity consumption allowance from 200 kWh to 350 kWh during the heating season, starting on 1 November 2026. For consumption between 201 kWh and 350 kWh, the proposed tariff is 650 soums per kWh, compared with the current rate of 900 soums.
According to the calculations presented, the revised allowance would cover approximately 80% of subscribers in areas without natural gas. More than 1.5 million consumers could collectively save around 171 billion soums over the heating season. A household consuming 350 kWh per month could save 37,500 soums, while one using 300 kWh could save 25,000 soums.
The heating season will run from October to February in Karakalpakstan and Khorezm region, and from November to February in the other regions. Regional administrations will compile lists of households experiencing difficulties obtaining natural gas based on proposals from Uzenergoinspektsiya, Hududgazta’minot and Hududiy Elektr Tarmoqlari.
Liquefied gas supplies and private-sector participation
Uzbekistan's total liquefied gas resources are projected to increase from 906,000 tonnes in 2023 to an expected 1.52 million tonnes in 2026, a rise of almost 68%. Domestic production is forecast to decline from 883,000 tonnes to 803,000 tonnes, while imports are expected to increase from 19,000 tonnes to 713,000 tonnes.
The country imported 539,000 tonnes of liquefied gas in January–September 2026. Demand is also being driven by the transport sector. As of 1 September, the number of vehicles using propane had reached 716,000, an increase of 35% compared with 1 November 2024. New recreational facilities in areas without natural gas are adding to demand.
Approximately four million people use liquefied gas. Deliveries generally take place every 30–35 days, although waiting periods can be longer in some regions.
The authorities are proposing compensation of 3,000 soums per kilogram of liquefied gas for families included in the Social Register, covering monthly consumption of up to 20 kg. Under the proposal, these families' effective cost would remain at 2,000 soums per kilogram within the established allowance. A total of 158 billion soums is planned to support 220,000 subscribers.
The government also intends to expand private-sector participation in fuel distribution. A pilot project for private businesses to deliver imported liquefied gas directly to households in cylinders has been operating in Andijan region since 1 October 2026. Depending on the results, the model could be extended to other regions.
The authorities expect private suppliers to give consumers more choice and enable households to order home delivery.
One-off payments and expanded assistance for families
During the 2026/2027 heating season, eligible families are set to receive a one-off payment of one million soums. Assistance will cover households listed in the Social Register and other families meeting the specified income criteria. Additional consideration will be given to households with older people living alone, people requiring care, orphans and children deprived of parental care.
For families outside the Social Register, the proposed eligibility threshold is an income per person of no more than twice the minimum consumer expenditure level, rising to three times that level in Tashkent. Preliminary calculations indicate that more than 1.017 million households could receive the payment.
Families already included in the Social Register will not need to resubmit their information. Other potential beneficiaries will be identified at the mahalla level, with their details verified through electronic systems.
The authorities also propose expanding eligibility for compensation for electricity and natural gas expenses by raising the per-person income threshold from 1.5 times to twice the minimum consumer expenditure level. This change could bring approximately 166,000 additional families into the programme.
The mechanism compensating households for electricity and natural gas consumption above the basic allowances is planned to remain in place until 1 April 2028. An additional 470,000 families are expected to benefit from the support for a further year. The authorities plan to allocate 150 billion soums for this purpose.
Through the Sakhovat va Kumak fund, additional assistance is envisaged for utility bills of up to one basic calculation unit (BCU), settlement of utility arrears of up to five BCUs, and purchases of coal and other fuels of up to two BCUs, or three BCUs in areas without natural gas.
Energy efficiency and infrastructure modernisation
The authorities also plan to reduce households' long-term energy costs by improving housing efficiency. In mahallas facing difficult conditions, the programme envisages insulating 3,000 homes belonging to families receiving state support, installing energy-efficient windows and doors, and providing solar panels and solar thermal collectors. A total of 240 billion soums has been allocated for the programme.
One example cited at the press conference was a house in the Obod Yurt mahalla in Gulistan, where a 10 kW solar panel and a solar thermal collector were installed in 2025. According to the figures presented, the installation generates additional electricity income averaging up to two million soums per month, while gas consumption has fallen by half.
The heating sector is also expected to introduce a programme to reduce the cost of thermal energy by up to 15%, implement billing systems, digitise calculations and conduct technical audits of infrastructure. With the involvement of international consultants, a strategy for developing the sector through 2030 is scheduled to be prepared by 1 April 2027.
Further measures include improving corporate governance and beginning the preparation of financial statements in accordance with international standards.
The proposed reforms are intended to improve the reliability of energy supplies, gradually bring tariffs closer to actual costs and reduce pressure on the state budget. Targeted assistance for households is a central element of the plans, particularly for families that could face significant financial pressure from heating, electricity and other fuel expenses.