BAKU, Azerbaijan, Oct. 14
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Uzbekistan has resumed supplies of natural gas to the Sughd region in Tajikistan after a 10-year break, Trend reports with reference to the statement by the director of Somon Sugdgaz CJSC Abdulhakim Sufiev for Asia-Plus Tajik news agency.
According to Sufiev, the imported gas is intended for industrial enterprises and the population. According to preliminary estimates, one cubic meter of natural gas imported from Uzbekistan will cost up to 2,000 soums ($0.1932).
“Now workers have already started laying gas pipelines, and it is likely that in the coming days, small and large industrial enterprises in Tajikistan’s Khujand will be supplied with natural gas. According to the agreement, the Uzbek side is ready to sell 1000 cubic meters of natural gas to Tajikistan at a price of $130, which is very affordable. Ten years ago, the price of the same volume amounted to $340 - $360,” said Sufiyev.
The director noted that there are more than 800 kilometers of the gas pipeline in the Sughd region, and more than 400 kilometers in the territory of Khujand.
"By the end of the year, residents of Khujand will be provided with natural gas, and by the moment gas has already been supplied to industrial enterprises. Also, in the near future, we intend to provide gas to residents of the Guliston, Buston and Bobodzhon-Gafurov regions in Tajikistan,” noted the director of Somon Sugdgaz.
In 2019, the supply of Uzbek fuel to Tajikistan amounted to 140 million cubic meters worth $17.7 million. The main consumer of the Uzbek fuel is the Tajik Aluminum Company.
According to the Ministry of Energy of Uzbekistan, in eight months of 2020, Tajikistan received 139.5 million cubic meters of natural gas.
By the end of 2020, in accordance with the agreement, it is planned to supply Tajikistan with 200 million cubic meters of natural gas.
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