Illegal energy use caused 825 billion soums in damage in Uzbekistan in nine months

Uzbekistan's Uzenergoinspection, the energy inspectorate under the Cabinet of Ministers, reported that 2,795 cases of illegal use of energy resources and rule violations were identified in the first nine months of 2026. Illegal use of 129.1 million cubic metres of natural gas and 226.4 million kWh of electricity caused total damage of 825.3 billion soums to state interests. Administrative protocols were drawn up against 4,196 consumers.

In 308 cases involving samples from fuel stations and enterprises, 7,435 tonnes of petroleum products were found to be of substandard quality, and their sale was prevented. Experts reviewed electricity supply projects for 9,168 facilities and technically inspected the electrical installations of 5,674 consumers.

The inspectorate also recalculated overcharges for 199 business entities, returning 3.632 billion soums for electricity and 12.084 billion soums for natural gas. It urged consumers not to connect to networks unlawfully. A new law has raised fines, and repeat offences carry criminal liability.