Kuchkarov noted that Uzbekistan's economy has experienced a growth rate exceeding 6% in recent years. He emphasized that the country is characterized by high energy consumption relative to its gross domestic product (GDP), with costs outpacing those of other countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

"The population is continuously increasing, leading to a rising demand for gas. However, there is another side to this coin: the high energy expenditure of Uzbekistan's economy. Specifically, older industries, including gas-fired power plants, are not energy-efficient," Kuchkarov explained. He highlighted the dual challenge facing the nation — growing demand coupled with the need to enhance energy efficiency across the economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that traditional appeals for energy conservation and efficiency have not yielded significant results, prompting the government to initiate energy tariff reforms in 2023.

"God willing, the primary phase of these tariff reforms will conclude next year. This will undoubtedly encourage both the population and economic entities to utilize energy resources more rationally," he added.

The reforms are aimed at improving energy efficiency and ensuring that both citizens and businesses benefit from more sustainable energy practices.