Tajikistan supplied electricity to Uzbekistan at a price of 2.27 dirams

According to the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan, electricity exports from the country increased by 56.4% in the first half of this year.

As reported in the press release on the results of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources’ activities in the first half of 2025, electricity production in the republic during the reporting period amounted to 11 billion 812 million kWh, which is 1 billion 445.5 million kWh or 12.2% more compared to the same period last year.

The total volume of electricity exports for the first half of 2025 amounted to 1 billion 123.3 million kWh or 322.6 million somoni, which is 405 million kWh or 56.4% more than in the same period last year, the statement noted.

The Ministry of Energy noted that electricity was primarily exported to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. Specifically, 718 million kWh of electricity was supplied to Afghanistan for a total of 312 million somoni, while 395.8 million kWh was supplied to the Republic of Uzbekistan for a total of 9 million somoni.

This means that, on average, Afghanistan paid 43.4 dirams for each kWh of electricity. However, Uzbekistan paid only 2.27 dirams per kWh — which is 0.24 US cents, contrary to the legislation and decrees of the Government of Tajikistan.

Previously, starting from April 1, 2025, the government of Tajikistan established tariffs under which electricity was supplied to the population at a price of 35.36 dirams per kWh, to cotton processing plants at 40.45 dirams per kWh, to private lyceums and gymnasiums at 60.70 dirams per kWh, and to industrial enterprises at 80.90 dirams per kWh.

Meanwhile, those close to President Emomali Rahmon

Moreover, companies affiliated with President Emomali Rahmon’s family receive electricity at preferential rates. For instance, the TALCO plant pays 20.77 dirams per kWh, the Azot enterprise pays 35.36 dirams per kWh, and the Tajik Metallurgical Plant pays 14.19 dirams per kWh from May 1 to September 30 and 80.90 dirams per kWh from October 1 to April 30.

Tariff increases for the population and companies occur against the backdrop of electricity consumption limits, while in rural areas, electricity is provided for only 8 hours a day since the end of September, and even less in some remote areas.

At the same time, electricity exports have increased. Currently, Tajikistan supplies electricity to Afghanistan at a price of 46 dirams (4.2 cents) per kWh, to Uzbekistan at 21.2 dirams (about 2 cents) per kWh, and to Kyrgyzstan at 10.7 dirams (0.98 cents) per kWh.

The introduction of electricity limits occurs against the backdrop of a recent agreement between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the supply of electricity generated by the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station, as part of a new cooperation agreement in the energy sector.

According to the agreement, OJSC Rogun HPP will supply part of the electricity generated at the Rogun HPP to the Uzbek energy company AO Uzenergoset for a price of $0.034 per kilowatt-hour, which currently amounts to 32.71 dirams.

As of today, Tajikistan supplies part of its generated electricity to Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan. There is also an agreement with Pakistan. In the future, after the completion of the Rogun Hydroelectric Power Station, the country plans to supply electricity to Pakistan through CASA-1000.

However, considering the experience and reputation of the government of Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power for 34 years, no one can guarantee that under the pretext of making a profit, electricity will not be supplied to Uzbekistan and at other times of the year, leaving the population of the country, as in previous years, without electricity, in cold and darkness.

The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of the Republic of Tajikistan claims that 90% of electricity exports occurred during the period of increased water discharge in rivers, namely in May and June. In particular, in June, 565.1 million kWh was exported, which accounts for 50% of the total volume.

Thus, if electricity had been supplied to Uzbekistan at the government-established price of 21.2 dirams per kWh, the country would have received 83.79 million somoni instead of 9 million, which is 74.79 million somoni more.

It remains unknown why the government decree was violated and how the missing amount will now be compensated to the country’s treasury.