Free Water, Electricity and Gas in Turkmenistan Since 1993: Fact Check

Story:

All Residents Get Free Water, Electricity and Gas in Turkmenistan Since 1993.

Other Versions

Water, Electricity and Gas have been Free of Charge in Turkmenistan since 1993.

Fact Check:

A story often shared online as an unbelievable fact states all Residents Get Free Water, Electricity and Gas in Turkmenistan Since 1993. The basic necessities have been free of charge in Turkmenistan since 1993, it says. As explained below, the claim is partially hoax.

Free Water, Electricity and Gas in Turkmenistan Since 1993?

In 1993 then President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov ordered free water, electricity and gas to all its residents. It happened shortly after the energy-rich, desert-bound country in Central Asia gained independence from the Soviet Union. Notably, Turkmenistan is among countries having largest natural gas reserves in the world. The Government subsidies offered each citizen free monthly allowances of 35 kilowatt hours of electricity, 50 cubic meters of gas and 250 liters of water every day. Turkmenistan, under the Communist Party President Saparmurat Niyazov, used to boast about the free water, electricity and gas to all its citizens. However, reports say the virtual freedom for media, human rights and religion is limited in Turkmenistan.

Turkmenistan giving free water, electricity and gas over the years put its financial sector at risk. The nation was struggling to cope up with the fall in energy prices since 2014 and other factors. The later President of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov openly criticized his country’s policy of giving away free energy and water to citizens. He called it “ineffective” and suggested assistance should be provided only to the people in need. In October 2017 he signed a law obliging citizens of Turkmenistan to pay for gas, electricity, and water. New tariff plans will be introduced gradually, according to it. An article on Reuters website reuters.com reports Turkmens face 25-fold rise in water price as state starts scrapping subsidies.

Therefore, the claim that all residents have been getting Free Water, Electricity and Gas in Turkmenistan since 1993 is not entirely true.