The Ministry of Energy and Water Resources of Tajikistan (MoEWR), following the publication by Asia-Plus about the rise in prices and a shortage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the country, has explained the reasons for the price increase, while denying any shortage. The ministry says price hike has resulted from the rising cost of LNG in Kazakhstan, which provides the bulk of Tajikistan's LNG imports. However, the company Gazprom Neft – Tajikistan confirmed the presence of a gas shortage. Kazakhstan, citing rising demand, has again banned the export of LNG abroad for six months.