DUSHANBE , February 6, Asia-Plus - Tajikistan ’s Industries Ministry intends to discuss with “Tojikgaz” (Tajik state gas concern) and the Tajik Anti-Monopoly Committee the issue of regulating prices of natural gas, Asia-Plus has learned from the source in the industries ministry.    

The industries ministry’s source referring to Jabbor Rasulov, Deputy Industries Minister, has told Asia-Plus that last year, when a cost of 1,000 cubic meters of natural gas was US$42.00, the joint venture “Tojikazot” received natural gas at the rate of US$50.00 per 1,000 cubic meters.  

“This year, Tajikgaz has purchased natural gas from Uzbekistan at the rate of US$55 while it has realized natural gas to industrial enterprises at the rate of US$78.00,” said the source, “In this case, prices of urea (mineral fertilizer) will rise to US$204 per ton.”  Because of this, it will not be profitable for farming units and futures companies to purchase mineral fertilizers inside the republic.