Uzbekistan says it will halt natural gas deliveries to its energy-starved neighbor, Tajikistan, starting next month.
In a statement, the Uzbek Energy Ministry said gas deliveries would be suspended from April 1, when the current three-month contract expires.
Uzbekistan, which is Tajikistan's only supplier of gas, routinely suspends deliveries amid complaints of nonpayment.
Uzbekistan suspended gas deliveries to Tajikistan early in January, saying no contract had been signed for 2012.
Days later, the contract was signed and deliveries resumed.
Relations between the two former Soviet Central Asian states have been strained since they both gained independence in 1991.
Uzbekistan has voiced opposition to Tajikistan's long-term plans to build hydropower plants, which Uzbekistan says will cut off major irrigation routes.
In a statement, the Uzbek Energy Ministry said gas deliveries would be suspended from April 1, when the current three-month contract expires.
Uzbekistan, which is Tajikistan's only supplier of gas, routinely suspends deliveries amid complaints of nonpayment.
Uzbekistan suspended gas deliveries to Tajikistan early in January, saying no contract had been signed for 2012.
Days later, the contract was signed and deliveries resumed.
Relations between the two former Soviet Central Asian states have been strained since they both gained independence in 1991.
Uzbekistan has voiced opposition to Tajikistan's long-term plans to build hydropower plants, which Uzbekistan says will cut off major irrigation routes.
