KyrgyzGaz, Uzbekistan Agree On Gas Import Level, But Not Price, For 2009
December 16, 2008
BISHKEK -- The KyrgyzGaz state energy company has agreed with Uzbekistan on the amount of Uzbek gas that will be sent to Kyrgyzstan in 2009.
KyrgyzGaz spokeswoman Aizada Toigonbaeva told RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service on December 15 that Kyrgyzstan will import about 800 million cubic meters of gas from Uzbekistan.
Toigonbaeva rejected, however, reports that Uzbek offered to sell its gas for $300 per 1,000 cubic meters.
She said there has been no talks about possibly increasing the price of the gas.
Kyrgyzstan currently buys Uzbek gas for $145 per 1,000 cubic meters. Uzbek energy authorities were not available for comment.
Kyrgyzstan routinely faces energy shortages during the winter.