Uzbekneftegaz Refutes Rumors of AI-80 Gasoline Price Hike
Fuel Prices to Remain Unchanged at UNG Petro Gas Stations, Confirms Uzbekneftegaz
There have been recent rumors circulating on social media regarding a possible increase in gasoline prices in Uzbekistan. However, Uzbekneftegaz, the state-owned oil and gas company, has denied these reports, stating that fuel will continue to be sold at the current prices.
Mumin Ibodov, the press secretary of Uzbekneftegaz, addressed the issue and emphasized that the information about the price hike, specifically for AI-80 fuel starting from November 1, is baseless. Ibodov assured the public that at gas stations owned by Uzbekneftegaz, fuel will be available at the previously stated prices.
Earlier, the Committee for Developing Competition had imposed restrictions on the wholesale sale of AI-80 gasoline. Starting from October 17, petrol stations were restricted to purchasing a maximum of 10 tons of fuel per day through the commodity exchange.
In response to this restriction, representatives of petrol stations approached the president’s reception with a plea to reduce the daily limit to 4 tons. They argued that the daily production of AI-80 gasoline in the country averages around 150 tons, and there are 30 to 34 private gas stations participating in exchange trading.
The implementation of these limits resulted in a decrease in the number of customers visiting gas stations on a daily basis. The situation caused price increases across all regions and led to dissatisfaction among consumers.
UzEx, the commodity exchange, confirmed the introduction of limits on the sale of AI-80 gasoline. However, they highlighted that the issue lies not with the size of the limit but with the volume of daily supply. UzEx believes that the daily supply needs to be increased to meet the demand adequately.
In December 2022, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, following a proposal from the presidential administration, temporarily reduced the excise tax on the import, production, and sale of AI-80 gasoline. This move was aimed at lowering the cost of fuel. Originally, the measures were set to be effective until the end of February.
On February 27, Uzbekneftegaz warned of an impending increase in wholesale and retail prices for AI-80 gasoline, which was expected to take effect from March 1. However, at the last day of the month, the president extended the benefits until the end of this year.
For now, motorists can breathe a sigh of relief as the prices at UNG Petro gas stations will not be affected, providing some stability in the fuel market.
