Akylbek Tumenbayev, deputy minister of industry, energy and fuel resources, said in line with the signed agreement for 2008, the price of 1,000 cubic meters of Uzbek gas will be US$145.

The report said however, it was decided at a special session that the tariff for consumers will be increased only by 30% thanks to decreasing transportation expenses and other measures. Thus, the price of gas this year will be 6,907 soms (about US$197 per 1,000 cubic meters] in the south of the country and 7,211 soms (about US$206 dollars) in the north.

Salamat Alamanov, director-general of the Kyrgyzgaz joint-stock gas supplying company noted in 2007, the price was 5.57 soms (about US$0.17, for one cubic meter of gas). It changed monthly depending on the dollar exchange rate. In 2008, the price is 7.21 soms in the south of the country and 6.9 soms in the north.

The report said Kyrgyz gas consumers’ debt to Uzbek suppliers is US$18 million.