TASHKENT — Uzbekistan has denied claims that it has lowered electricity export tariffs to Afghanistan, stating that official rates remain unchanged, Uzbek media reported, citing the country’s National Power Grid.
The clarification comes after Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s acting deputy chief minister, claimed last week that Uzbekistan had agreed to reduce electricity tariffs and increase supply volumes during the summer following negotiations in Tashkent.
During the talks, both sides agreed to expand the Surkhan–Pul-e-Khumri power transmission line project, which operates at 220-500 kV, according to the report. The expansion will include the construction of new substations and networks.
According to Kun.Uz, Uzbekistan also announced that through cost optimization and increased use of localized materials, the total construction cost of the project has been reduced from $252 million to $222 million.
The electricity supply contract is currently in the approval stage and will be signed once all necessary procedures are completed.
Despite Baradar’s remarks, Uzbek officials have not confirmed any tariff reductions, maintaining that export rates remain unchanged.
