Uzbekistan Resumes Gas Supplies To Tajikistan

Back to normal? A gas stovetop in Dushanbe

TASHKENT -- Uzbekistan reportedly has resumed supplying natural gas to Tajikistan after a two-week suspension of deliveries to its energy-starved neighbor.

State-run fuel company Uzneftegaz says the two countries agreed on a supply contract last week.

Uzbekistan suspended gas deliveries earlier this month, causing major disruptions in the operation of several plants and factories in Tajikistan.

Uzbekistan, which is Tajikistan's only external source of natural gas, routinely halts deliveries.

The two neighbors have had strained diplomatic ties during the past two decades over issues that include energy and water resources, as well as transit routes.

Based on reporting by AP and RFE/RL's Tajik Service