The liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices have decreased in Tajikistan over the past week.
The price of one liter of the liquefied natural gas in Dushanbe has decreased from 8.30 somonis in late November to 6.70 somonis (almost 19.3 percent decrease), with similar price decrease in other parts of the country.
However, this did not affect in any way the rates of private cab drivers. They raised their rates in October following the rise in LNG prices.
Thus, the shared taxi fare increased in October last year from 7.00 somonis per seat to 10.00 somonis per seat.
Shared taxis (currently 10.00 somonis/seat) follow a set route in the Tajik capital. These cars don’t always show their numbers as they are not strictly legal. Often they flash their lights at you and display a number with their fingers or hold up a sign in their hands. Just wave your hand to get their attention. You pay at the beginning of the ride. They appreciate exact change.
An October spike in LNG prices has led to increase in prices for intercity routes. Thus, the cost of a taxi from Dushanbe to Khatlon’s capital, Bokhtar, increased from 30.00 somonis per seat to 40.00-50.00 somonis. The cost of a taxi from Dushanbe to Tursunzoda has increased from 15.00 somonis per seat to 25.00-30.00 somonis per seat, and from Dushanbe to the northern city of Panjakent from 100,00 somonis per seat to 150.00 somonis per seat.
The LNG price hike has also affected cargo transportation in Tajikistan, in particular transportation of agricultural goods.
Kazakhstan, which is Central Asia’s biggest oil producer, provides the bulk of Tajikistan’s LNG imports, accounting for about 86 percent of Tajikistan’s LNG imports. LNG is also delivered to Tajikistan from the Russian Federation.
According to data of the Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan, Tajikistan has imported about 319,000 tons of liquefied natural gas over the first ten months of 2023.
