The Commission on Interdepartmental Tariffs under the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan approved new tariffs for the generation, transmission, distribution, and sale of electricity, as well as set prices for natural gas. This decision was made at the 37th meeting of the commission on July 15, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov.
For the first time, the document combined rates not only for power plants but also for main and regional electrical grids. The tariff revision became necessary after the increase in gas and electricity prices, which came into effect on June 1.
The lowest established tariff for electricity generation was 522 soms per 1 kWh, including VAT, assigned to Uzbekhydroenergo. Among thermal power plants, the lowest rate was set for the Talimarzhan Thermal Power Plant—579 soms. The tariff for JSC Thermal Power Plants is 834 soms per 1 kWh, while rates for Novo-Angrenskaya, Angrenskaya, and Takhiatashskaya Thermal Power Plants were set at 828, 947, and 957 soms, respectively. The highest tariff among the listed power plants is set for the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant—1,126 soms.
Two tariffs were determined for the New Thermal Power Plant: 887 soms per 1 kWh for electricity supplied to Uzenergosotish, and 832 soms for NavoiAzot. Thus, the tariff for the Tashkent Thermal Power Plant is more than twice the rate of Uzbekhydroenergo and almost twice the tariff of the Talimarzhan Thermal Power Plant.
For the National Electrical Grids of Uzbekistan, the JSC tariff for electricity transmission through main grids was set at 98 soms per 1 kWh. The single electricity buyer, Energosavdo, received a sales tariff of 704 soms per 1 kWh. Electricity to cover the losses of the distribution system operator will be supplied at a price of 843 soms, and for covering the losses of the transmission system operator—735 soms per 1 kWh.
Tariffs for services provided by Regional Electrical Grid enterprises of the JSC vary from 171 to 410 soms per 1 kWh depending on the region. The maximum rate is set in Karakalpakstan—410 soms, and the minimum is in Kashkadarya region—171 soms. The tariff in Navoi region is 369 soms, in Fergana region—366 soms, in Jizzakh region—300 soms, in Khorezm region—286 soms, in Samarkand region—278 soms, in Tashkent—276 soms, in Bukhara region—276 soms, in Tashkent region—254 soms, in Surkhandarya region—246 soms, in Syrdarya region—245 soms, in Andijan region—243 soms, and in Namangan region—193 soms. It should be noted that the electricity distribution tariff in Karakalpakstan is 2.4 times higher than in Kashkadarya region.
For the Samarkand regional electrical grids, managed by the Turkish company Aksa Enerji, a tariff of 278 soms per 1 kWh has been set.
The commission also approved prices and tariffs for natural gas. UzGasTrade will sell gas to Hududgazta’minot at a price of 1.39 million soms per 1000 cubic meters, including VAT. Uztransgaz will pay 1.6 million soms for its own needs per 1000 cubic meters. Uztransgaz's tariff for gas transportation for UzGasTrade and other companies is set at 195,000 soms per 1000 cubic meters. The cost of gas transportation through Hududgazta’minot networks was determined at 240,000 soms per 1000 cubic meters.
The document separately states that if an international agreement concerning Uzbekistan stipulates different rates, the terms of that agreement shall apply.
According to Gazeta data as of the end of May, the cost of producing 1 kWh of electricity was 1,100 soms, and the cost of 1 cubic meter of gas was 2,200 soms. In April 2024, these figures were estimated at 1,000 soms and 2,000 soms, respectively. Thus, over two years, the cost of energy resources increased by 10%. This cost includes expenses not only for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution, but also for gas imports.
A proposal has been put forward in Uzbekistan to change the excise tax system for alcoholic beverages, which involves increasing excise duties while simultaneously lowering final retail prices.
The Institute suggests increasing the excise rate from 63 to 70 thousand soums in 2027, but taking into account the projected alcohol rate, which is estimated at 25 thousand soums. Thanks to this change, the cost of one liter of vodka could potentially drop to 45 thousand soums.
Furthermore, due to the increase in excise taxes next year, including fortified wine (increasing from 12,000 to 12,600 soums), natural wine (from 10,000 to 10,500 soums), and beer (from 4,000 to 4,200 soums), the country's budget could receive an additional 62.1 billion soums, according to the institute's calculations.
For the successful implementation of these measures, it is proposed to make corresponding amendments to the Tax Code and develop a special support program for entrepreneurs. This program should include duty-free import of equipment, provision of preferential loans, and simplification of the certification procedure. Analysts also recommend publishing excise rates for a three-year period in advance.
It was previously reported that in 2026, Uzbekistan will begin the phased equalization of excise rates for both domestic and imported alcohol and tobacco, in line with WTO requirements.
The Institute for Reducing the Share of the Shadow Economy, Improving Tax and Customs Administration, and Fiscal Analysis at the Ministry of Economy and Finance has put forward an initiative to begin preparations for introducing a carbon tax for large production facilities in Uzbekistan. This proposal was presented on July 30 during the 'Fiscal Dialogue' event.
According to the institute's plan, the preparatory stage should take place throughout 2027. This period will include tasks such as inventorying emissions, determining rates, selecting the tax base, and establishing the circle of companies that will be taxpayers.
The carbon tax itself is scheduled to be introduced in 2028, starting with the largest emitters. Subsequently, its application could potentially be extended to other enterprises. Two options are considered as the basis for calculating the tax: either the actual volume of carbon dioxide emissions or the volume of carbon fuel consumed.
It is planned that between 2029 and 2030, the tax rates will gradually increase according to a pre-approved schedule, although the exact parameters are currently under development. The fiscal effect of introducing the tax is expected to appear as early as 2028.
Institute experts believe that introducing this tax will allow the cost of emissions to be accounted for in the overall expenses of enterprises. This, in turn, should motivate companies to work on improving energy efficiency and reducing pollution levels.
Another important motive is the need to comply with international carbon regulation standards. Implementing internal pricing for emissions can minimize the likelihood that exporters from Uzbekistan will face the need to pay carbon levies outside the country.
It is important to note that this proposal is purely analytical and is not yet an approved legislative act or bill. Previously, in 2020, the publication 'Gazeta' covered international experience in carbon taxation. The essence of such a tax is to make pollution economically unviable: the more fuel consumed by both private households and companies, and the higher their emissions, the more they pay. Those who achieve emission reductions and improve energy efficiency do not incur such high costs.
An example from international experience is Canada, where the carbon tax was integrated into the cost of gasoline, natural gas, and other types of fuel. Furthermore, most of the collected funds were returned to citizens or used to subsidize energy-saving measures. This model is designed to encourage those who pollute less and increase the financial burden on large fuel consumers.
A recent achievement was Uzbekistan receiving the world's first payment from the World Bank for confirmed reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in June 2024. A grant of $7.5 million was transferred for a reduction of 500 thousand tons, which could potentially increase to $20 million. This payment was made under the iCRAFT project, which aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce state subsidies on energy, and develop carbon financing mechanisms. Part of these funds is planned to support families most affected by rising gas and electricity tariffs.
Previously, the World Bank indicated that Uzbekistan could effectively use carbon pricing, whether through introducing an emissions tax or through quota trading, to finance the transition to 'green' technologies and stimulate enterprises to reduce pollution levels.
From January to July 2026, Uzbekistan produced 7 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity from renewable sources, representing a 23% increase compared to the same period last year.
According to official data, the country operates 21 renewable energy facilities with a total installed capacity of 5,602 MW. These include 15 solar power plants with a combined capacity of 3,930 MW and six wind power plants with a total capacity of 1,672 MW.
The production of electricity from renewable sources has shown steady growth in recent years. In 2022, the output was 434 million kWh, in 2023 it was 576.9 million kWh, in 2024 it reached 4.9 billion kWh, and in 2025 it reached 10.5 billion kWh.
In total, from 2022 to July 2026, Uzbekistan generated over 23.4 billion kWh of electricity from renewable sources. These results allowed the country to save approximately 6.24 billion cubic meters of natural gas and prevent the emission of about 13.46 million tons of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Authorities attribute the achievement of these indicators to the implementation of renewable energy projects, attracting investments, and utilizing modern technologies.
