Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A proposal to ban the use and sale of motor fuels that do not meet the Euro-4 environmental standard by the end of 2025 is outlined in a draft decree of the President’s state program for next year.

According to the draft, gasoline of the AI-80 grade, which meets the Euro-2 standard, will be restricted.

This ban is in response to suggestions from the public, international and local environmental organizations, the Ecological Party, and the Ministry of Ecology.

Additionally, from 1 May 2025, a ban will be introduced in Tashkent, Nukus, and regional administrative centers on new projects related to asbestos, cement production, sludge and slag processing, as well as the construction of leather-tanning factories and poultry farms.

A ban on coal burning without effective dust and gas treatment systems will also be enforced.

The document also proposes restrictions on new plants for black and non-ferrous metallurgy, glass production with toxic impurities, and manufacturing with hazardous chemicals.

Enterprises involved in processing and burning waste classified as Class I and II hazardous may also face bans.

The Ministry of Ecology, in collaboration with the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Investments, Industry and Trade, and local khokimiyats, is tasked with presenting proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers by October 1, 2025, for the phased relocation of existing enterprises in these sectors and energy-intensive facilities.

A ban on the use of mazut as fuel for heat and power plants is also planned, with exceptions only for emergencies requiring Cabinet approval.

By 1 November 2025, the Ministry of Ecology must draft a law that will impose obligations on producers of plastic packaging and products in plastic containers, as well as their importers. The law will require the establishment of collection systems for used packaging, payment of disposal fees, or the creation of waste collection and recycling centers using special equipment.

The ban on AI-80 gasoline has been discussed for some time.

In January 2024, the Ministry of Ecology proposed limiting its use and mazut in the capital, emphasizing the need to improve air quality. The proposal also suggested incentivizing the shift to electric vehicles and limiting construction and traffic.

In late January 2024, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev tasked Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov with exploring the possibility of a complete ban on AI-80 gasoline by 2025.

In February, it was announced that China’s CNPC would modernize the Bukhara Oil Refinery to stop producing this grade of fuel. The modernization work, in collaboration with "Uzbekneftegaz," is expected to be completed within two years.

However, in September 2024, it was reported that the full ban on AI-80 gasoline would be postponed until 2028.