Uzbekistan proposes 1 million soums in winter aid for low-income families
Under a draft by the National Agency for Social Protection, low-income families would receive a one-time 1 million soums in November 2026; the electricity allowance in non-gasified areas would rise to 350 kWh and compensation for liquefied gas would be introduced. The measures are proposed as part of energy-tariff reforms.
Uzbekistan has proposed new measures to support low-income families during the heating season. Under a draft prepared by the National Agency for Social Protection, such families would receive a one-time payment of 1 million soums (more than $80).
What is proposed
The draft envisages several measures to prepare for the 2026/2027 heating season. The main one is a one-time 1 million soums payment to low-income families, to be transferred to social or bank cards in November 2026, by 30 November. The draft was opened for public consultation on 13 October.
Electricity and gas relief
In areas without gas or with difficult gas supply, the winter electricity allowance would rise from 200 kWh to 350 kWh; consumption in the 201–350 kWh band would be billed at 650 soums instead of 900. The income threshold for gas and electricity compensation would be raised from 1.5 to 2 times the minimum consumption expenditure, covering roughly 166,000 additional families. The programme would be extended to 1 April 2028.
Liquefied gas
From 1 November, the price of liquefied (cylinder) gas would be set at 5,000 soums per kilogram. Low-income families would receive compensation of 3,000 soums per kilogram, up to 20 kilograms a month, while the delivery charge would not exceed 1,300 soums per kilogram.
Tariff reform
The support measures are proposed as part of energy-tariff reforms. District heating and hot-water tariffs are planned to rise by about 30% on average, with annual indexing — capped at 10% a year — introduced from May 2028. The overall framework of the support measures was approved at a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on 6 October.
