ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Uzbekistan says it will cease natural gas deliveries to its energy-starved neighbor Tajikistan starting next month.
Uzbekistan, which is Tajikistan’s only external source of gas, routinely suspends deliveries amid complaints of nonpayment.
Uzbekneftegaz said in a statement Sunday the suspension was in line with a three-month contract signed at the start of the year.
Energy officials in Tajikistan had complained about plans to halt deliveries.
Relations between the two former Soviet Central Asian states have been strained ever since they both gained independence in 1991.
Uzbekistan is also angered by Tajikistan’s long-term plans to build a hydropower plant it says will cut off major irrigation routes.
