The Government of Uzbekistan is launching a large-scale update of tax legislation. Under a document signed by Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 25, new excise tax rates will take effect nationwide starting April 1, 2026. The changes will affect many consumer goods, from fuels and lubricants to the food segment. This was reported by upl.uzreports.
The main focus is on petroleum products and the gas market: rates in this area will rise by about 7% on average. For producers, the excise on one ton of AI-80 gasoline and higher grades will increase from 375,000 soums to 402,000 soums. AI-91 will see a similar change: 360,000 soums instead of 335,000. For aviation kerosene (excluding synthetic types), the rate will go up from 300,000 soums to 321,000 soums.
Tax pressure will also increase on diesel fuel: one ton of standard diesel will reach 385,000 soums. Eco-grade environmentally friendly diesel will be taxed at 348,000 soums instead of the previous 325,000 soums.
Drivers buying fuel at gas stations will also feel the updated excises. From April, the retail excise on AI-80 gasoline will rise from 525 soums to 562 soums per liter. For high-octane AI-91 gasoline, the rate will increase from 470 soums to 505 soums.
The gas market will also be indexed: the excise on one cubic meter of compressed gas will increase from 750 soums to 805 soums. Sales of liquefied gas will be taxed at 562 soums/liter (or 1,070,000 soums/ton). At the same time, the fiscal burden on natural gas will remain unchanged at 12%.
In parallel, the “rules of the game” are being updated in the soft drinks and light snacks segment. Excise on sugary drinks will now be tied to sugar concentration per 100 milliliters: up to 5 grams — 500 soums/liter, 5–10 grams — 515 soums/liter, over 10 grams — 535 soums/liter. There is also a strict requirement: if the composition is not indicated on the package, the maximum rate is applied automatically.
A sharp jump has been recorded for drinks containing sweeteners: the excise increases from 300 soums to 500 soums/liter. For energy drink producers, the increase will be 7.5%, effectively amounting to 2,150 soums/liter.
Spring updates also brought a landmark decision in another area — an excise tax is being introduced on potato chips for the first time. This category includes fried or dried products made from thinly sliced potatoes sold in consumer packaging. The rate is set at 15,000 soums/kg and will apply equally to local producers and importers.
It is noted that Uzbekistan has become one of the first countries in Central Asia to introduce a progressive “sugar tax.” The World Health Organization views such a mechanism as an effective measure against obesity and diabetes, and the country plans to channel the collected funds into developing a public health improvement fund as well.
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