Uzbekistan: Tashkent heating tariffs set to rise about 30% from 1 November

According to a Podrobno.uz review, a new package of rules will take effect in Uzbekistan from 1 November, affecting utilities, business, urban planning, transport and international travel. A draft proposal would raise heating and hot water tariffs in Tashkent by about 30%. Under the proposed rates, heating would cost 314 sums per square metre per day including VAT, compared with the current 241.4 sums. The thermal energy tariff would rise to 206,636 sums per gigacalorie, almost 48% higher. Public discussion of the draft will run until 28 October.

Other changes include a 20% discount on domestic train tickets for citizens receiving old-age pensions from 1 to 30 November, and a 20% cut in customs fees on international parcels delivered by courier services. Egypt is tightening entry requirements for certain categories of tourists, while Kazakhstan is beginning to introduce an electronic entry permit system. At first, the system will operate at Aktau airport and some road checkpoints.