Turkmen leader promises free gas, power

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan – Turkmenistan’s eccentric leader announced Wednesday that his energy-rich Central Asian nation would provide citizens with natural gas and power free of charge through 2030.

“This decision would help ensure a carefree life for our people,” said President Saparmurat Niyazov. He said parliament had approved the action.

Turkmenistan is the second-biggest natural gas producer in the former Soviet Union after Russia. The country’s proven commercial reserves amount to 2.8 trillion cubic meters.

The president, who prefers to be called Father of All Turkmen, first ordered in 1993 that all residents of the ex-Soviet republic receive gas, electricity and water free of charge for a decade. In 2003, the promise was extended through 2020.

AP