Uzbekistan faces energy crisis as gas shortages drive citizens to coal, firewood

Proceeding from its article, OilPrice.com features that Uzbekistan is facing a growing energy crisis, with many of its citizens relying on alternative fuels like coal, firewood, and even animal manure to meet their heating and cooking needs. 

In 2021, Uzbekistan’s energy minister stated that the country produces enough natural gas to meet domestic demand three times over. 

However, gas production in this resource-rich nation has been declining for the past five years, and the reality is stark: many Uzbeks rely on coal, firewood, and animal manure for heating and cooking, with numerous power plants still operating on coal.

Experts and activists have raised concerns about the environmental impact, as coal, the most carbon-intensive fossil fuel, significantly contributes to climate change, while illegal deforestation for firewood continues. 

Citizens accuse the government of failing to provide viable alternatives.

The situation worsens each winter as energy demand increases, exacerbating the country’s ongoing natural gas shortage.

"It's been quite cold since late November, and we’re experiencing problems with gas supplies not only in the villages but even in cities, too," says activist Abdusalom Ergashev, who resides in the eastern city of Ferghana.

"In the downtown area where I live, the gas pressure [in the pipes] drops so low during the winter that the stove doesn’t even get warm. People are left with no choice, so they’re burning whatever they can -- coal and animal dung, and they’re felling trees, even fruit trees," Ergashev added.

Illegal tree cutting has become so prevalent that the government has enacted stricter penalties for the crime. Under a law implemented in February, those convicted of illegally felling trees can face fines of up to 17 million soms ($1,300). The penalties are even steeper for government officials, companies, and other entities involved. 

Offenders are also required to plant 100 saplings for every tree they cut down unlawfully.

Many Uzbeks, particularly those in rural areas, begin preparing for winter months ahead, gathering firewood, collecting and drying animal manure, and purchasing coal. In numerous households, even walnut shells and fruit pits are used as alternative fuel.

On average, a village household consumes about 1.5 tons of coal during the winter, along with firewood, cotton stalks, dry manure, and other fuels.

The environmental impact of this is not the only concern, as the thick smoke rising from chimneys during winter also brings additional problems.

By Naila Huseynova