DUSHANBE, October 20, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- The number of liquefied gas refueling stations has increased in Tajikistan.

According to Ministry of Energy and Industry (MoEI), 37 new liquefied gas refueling stations have been constructed in the country this year, bringing the total number of liquefied gas refueling stations operating in Tajikistan to 507.

“214 liquefied gas refueling stations now operate in Sughd province, 121 in Khatlon province, 97 in districts subordinate to the center, 64 in Dushanbe and 11 in Gorno Badakhshan,” the source said.  According to him, increase in the number of liquefied gas refueling stations has resulted from rising costs of gasoline in the country in connection with introduction by Russia of export duty on light oil products for Tajikistan.

Liquefied gas refueling stations are currently selling liquefied gas at 3.5 somoni per liter, while the price of one liter of gasoline in Tajikistan fluctuates from 6.20 to 7.00 somoni, depending to type of gasoline.

According to the statistical data from the MoEI, more than 297,000 tons of liquefied gas have been delivered to Tajikistan over the first nine months of this year, which is 876 tons more than in the same period last year.

Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan provide the bulk of Tajikistan liquefied gas imports.  In January-September 2011, Kazakhstan accounted for 68.8 percent of the overall amount of liquefied gas delivered to Tajikistan over the report period and Uzbekistan accounted for 28.4 percent.  Inconsiderable part of liquefied gas is delivered to Tajikistan from Russia – 2.8 percent.