KABUL (Pajhwok): Uzbekistan has promised resuming power exports to energy-deficient neighbour Afghanistan with effect from January 25 (tomorrow).
The Ministry of Energy in Tashkent acknowledged supplies to Afghanistan came to a halt on January 14 as a result of a sharp decline in temperatures.
Subsequently, AKI press reported, problems were encountered in supplying gas to thermal power plants (TPPs). Gas-fired plants generate 90 percent of Uzbekistan’s electricity.
Power exports to Afghanistan were suspended due to fuel shortages and other malfunctions, said the ministry statement, cited by the independent news agency.
Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) had been warned of the situation, the ministry claimed. “Electricity intended for domestic consumption is not exported...”
Persistent blackouts are said to have forced 90 percent of factories in Kabul to stop functioning. This winter, residents complain, prolonged outages have become a routine.
Industrialists say: “In the Pul-i-Charkhi Industrial Park 585 factories are functioning but due to power outage, 90 percent have closed down.”
PAN Monitor/mud
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