First time in 20 years Turkmenistan increased gas prices for population

From February 1, 2014 natural gas price consumed by population above the free limit in Turkmenistan has gone up by ten times and totaled 20 AZN (about $8.00 USD) per 1000 cub.m. including VAT.

Turkmen President adopted this resolution to ensure rational consumption of natural gas by the population and regulation of the natural gas payments. 

The privileges for public utilities, such as free gas, power and water, were introduced by the first Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov in 1993. At first it was effective ten years and then they were extended till 2030.

In 2008 Berdymohammadov introduced free petrol coupons – 120 liters per month to each car owner.

Each Turkmen citizen receives 35 kwt power, 50 cub.m. of gas and 250 liters of water a day a month for free.

But the problem is to track consumption. It is easier with track power by meters, but it is more difficult to track gas consumption.

This has led to illegal heating of green houses and auxiliary buildings in the rural area.

In October 2013 President Berdymohammadov instructed the Control Chamber to check consumption of power, drinking water and gas by the population.

It has been recommended to install gas and water meters in the houses.---0—