Gas crisis, minister's complaint, community service for child fatalities, and the ousting of Assad – highlights from the week’s news.

New facilities launched in the energy sector

On December 13, a ceremony was held at the International Congress Center in Tashkent to launch new capacities and start new projects in the energy sector, attended by the president.

It was announced that 18 new facilities worth $3.7 billion would be launched, along with the commencement of construction of six new projects.

Winter frosts and their impact on gas stations and greenhouses

In Uzbekistan, short-term restrictions are planned for gas stations in certain areas with high gas consumption, according to the Ministry of Energy.

“First and foremost, considering that our priority is to ensure the supply of natural gas to households and social institutions (medical facilities, schools, kindergartens, universities, etc.), in accordance with plans developed in cooperation with local administrations, short-term restrictions on the operations of automotive gas filling compressor stations (gas stations) are planned in some high-consumption areas,” the statement says .

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy also reported that the daily volume of automotive gasoline offered at exchanges in Uzbekistan would be temporarily doubled.

This decision was made in connection with the introduction of short-term restrictions on the operations of gas stations in certain regions due to the cold atmospheric front.

The ministry also urges private gas station owners not to inflate prices and to sell gasoline in accordance with quality and quantity standards.

In turn, “Hududgazta'minot” acknowledged a decrease in gas supply to some greenhouses due to a sharp drop in air temperature.

They also reported that they promptly (within 24 hours) inform greenhouses about pressure drops or gas outages.

“In case of emergencies in the gas supply system for the population, greenhouse farms must have sufficient reserves of alternative fuel,” the statement reads.

With the onset of winter, the operation of methane refueling stations is again limited, and queues have stretched for kilometers. The press secretary of the Minister of Energy, Hasan Tashkhodjaev, advised drivers to refuel with gasoline or purchase electric vehicles in response to questions from Kun.uz. He attributed the situation to weather conditions: “In December, such cold weather is unusual, but this year we have unique weather,” noted Tashkhodjaev.

New chairman of the Central Bank appointed

On December 11, the Senate Council of the Oliy Majlis decided to relieve Mamirizo Nurmuratov from his position as chairman of the board of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan following a proposal from Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The head of state also suggested the first deputy advisor to the president on economic sector development, implementation of investment and foreign trade policies, Timur Ishmetov, for this position.

The Senate Council of the Oliy Majlis decided to appoint Ishmetov to this position.

Meanwhile, the Central Bank of Uzbekistan did not change the key rate, which currently stands at 13.5%.

The regulator decided to maintain the current level of monetary policy rigidity to reduce inflationary processes and expectations, as well as to create conditions for achieving a 5% inflation target in the medium term.

As of November, annual inflation decreased to 10% due to the stabilization of food prices. However, risks of rising prices for services and non-food goods remain, linked to high aggregate demand in the economy.

An escrow account proposed for each construction project

Increased demand for housing has led to the emergence of unscrupulous business practices.

A solution to this issue seems to have been found. Now, it is proposed to open an escrow account in a commercial bank for each construction project. Payments for real estate will be made through this account, and banks will be able to offer loans at reduced rates. In case of non-fulfillment of obligations by the developer, the funds will be returned to the owners.

The president approved these proposals and instructed the development of a legal framework for the system, as well as its integration into ministries and agencies related to the construction sector.

Abdulla Qadiri Park in Tashkent planned for reconstruction

Plans include planting new trees, constructing a suspended bridge, and more. On December 11, Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed project presentations for construction and improvement.

“These plans are good, but it is necessary to add a touch of national character. It is important to reflect the history of the city and the traditions of our people here. Every person, regardless of age, should find a place in the park that resonates with them,” said Mirziyoyev.

In a report by the Uzbekistan 24 channel, designer Irina Litvinova from Russia mentioned that while developing the park's concept, specialists “were guided by the requests of the residents.”

Mirziyoyev also reviewed the project for the renovated “Dostlik” park in Tashkent.

The designer Irina Litvinova stated in an interview that all greenery in the park will be preserved, including walking areas.

Additionally, an eco-market with rooftop restaurants and underground parking is planned to be built on the site of the Yunusabad Dehkan Market.

The Yunusabad Dehkan Market in Tashkent is always bustling, but its further expansion is hampered by a lack of space. Additionally, traffic on the adjacent streets is congested. Therefore, a decision has been made to develop the market according to a modern concept - “upward,” increasing trading areas and improving infrastructure.

Minister of Energy files complaint with prosecutor's office against economist Otabek Bakirov

Minister of Energy Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov has filed a complaint with the prosecutor's office against economist Otabek Bakirov over his post regarding the “Saghbon” substation.

According to the statement from the minister, the post contains offensive and discrediting claims, and he demands appropriate measures be taken against the author.

The post highlighting issues at the “Saghbon” substation was published on June 5, 2023. However, Mirzamakhmudov only filed a complaint a year and four months later, on October 10, 2024.

“Interestingly, Minister Mirzamakhmudov filed the complaint just six days after his visit to Lolazor,” the economist stated on his Telegram channel.

The complaint is currently being reviewed by the capital's cyber security department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Different sentences for drivers who fatally injured people

A defendant responsible for the deaths of two children was released from custody by the Yangiyul District Court for Criminal Cases. The court's verdict stated that he is a “well-educated, employed young man.” A week later, another defendant - “with a secondary education and unemployed” - was sentenced to 2 years in prison for a road accident that resulted in a fatality. Both cases were presided over by the same judge - Ulugbek Ibragimov.

The judge sentenced the driver who fatally injured two children to corrective labor, while the driver responsible for the death of one person received a prison sentence. Could it all come down to higher education and employment status?

A criminal case initiated against a native of Uzbekistan who joined militants in Syria

A 30-year-old native of Uzbekistan is conducting propaganda from the Syrian city of Idlib through social networks. The Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that a criminal case has been opened against him on charges of encroachment on the constitutional order, participation in terrorist activities, and other articles. His social media pages are banned in Uzbekistan.

According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the suspect went to Russia for work in 2016, where he fell under the influence of ideas from international terrorist organizations and moved to the Syrian city of Idlib. Since then, he has been engaged in propaganda that led to the deaths of several compatriots in combat actions.

Investigation launched into the fraudulent scheme “Halal Auto Leasing Company”

In Tashkent, the leaders of “Halal Auto Leasing Company” LLC have been brought in for questioning. The company has ceased operations, and its office has been sealed.