In Uzbekistan, the practice of state-set coal prices will be abolished starting June 1.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on introducing market mechanisms in the coal industry, increasing production volumes, and new investment projects. The President's press service reported this.

 

The presentation noted that coal is an important source for supplying energy to economic sectors, thermal power plants, social institutions, and the population. Therefore, it was emphasized that issues of product quality, price transparency, competitive environment, and ensuring environmental requirements are relevant in this sector.

 

According to data, while coal production volumes increased from an average of 3.1 million tons to 4 million tons in the first 25 years of independence, this figure has reached 10 million tons in the last 9 years. For the upcoming autumn-winter season, it is planned to increase production volumes to 11 million tons.

 

Today, the number of private entrepreneurs engaged in coal mining has reached 18. In 2023–2025, they expanded geological exploration work, extracted 2.4 million tons of coal, and directed $117.2 million in private investment to these processes.

 

It was also reported that by mixing Angren and Sharg'un coals, 1.5 million tons of locally produced coal, replacing imports, were supplied to thermal power plants.

 

During the presentation, the issue of transitioning coal price formation to market principles was considered. It was noted that the current system of administrative price setting negatively impacts the financial stability of producers and the ability to attract new investments.

 

In this regard, it was proposed to abolish the practice of state price setting for coal starting from June 1, 2026, and to remove coal from the list of socially significant strategic goods regulated by the state. As a result, coal prices would be formed based on supply and demand, and products would be sold to consumers through exchange trading.

 

Under the new system, thermal power plants and large consumers will be able to purchase coal through a "request for proposals" procedure at the average exchange prices of the reporting period. A separate mechanism is planned to be introduced for supplying coal to the population and budget institutions.

 

According to this, coal producers will sell the product to supplier entrepreneurs through a special trading platform on the exchange. Suppliers will be selected through an electronic system based on criteria such as warehouse facilities, equipment, and tax rating.

 

To reduce the disparity in coal prices delivered to the population and budget organizations across the republic, rail transportation will be carried out based on a single tariff.

 

Furthermore, it is planned to liquidate the "Ko'mir Ta'minot" LLC and sell 96 coal warehouses and equipment in the regions through auction sales.