DUSHANBE, May 19, Asia-Plus - The problem of natural gas supplies to Tajikistan will not be resolved until the public repays at least a part of its debt for natural gas consumption to “Tojikgaz” (Tajik state gas concern), “Tojikgaz” official said.  

Fayoziddin Sodirov, a spokesman for Tajik gas concern, says that a total debt of the public, enterprises and organizations to “Tojikgaz” has amounted to 135 million Somonis (equivalent to some US$42 million) as of may 1 2006, taking into account debts of the previous years.   The Dushanbe public has accounted for some 60 percent of the total debt (75 million Somonis). 

According to him, a special commission comprising lawyers and economists is making rounds to explain the necessity of clearing off debts for gas consumption.  Sodirov says “Tojikgaz” has cut off supply of gas to the population, while the large industrial enterprises of the country receive natural gas without limits.  

As it had reported earlier, “Uztransgaz” (Uzbek gas supply company) in early May reduced supply of natural gas to Tajikistan.  A debt of “Tojikgaz” to “Uztransgaz” for gas supplied has amounted to US$3 million, and to date, “Tojikgaz” has repaid only US$500,000 of this debt.  Supply of gas to the population will resume only after at least 80%-90% of the debt will be repaid.