Natural-gas rationing has been introduced in Tajikistan, although for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan rationing conditions are more liberal than is expected to be the case after the Ramadan ends on 24 November. During Ramadan, gas will be supplied to the population from 4 a.m. until 8 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. After Ramadan, gas is unlikely to be available during the day. The situation reportedly will change only if the Tajik gas firm Tojikgaz can pay promptly for the gas it receives from Uzbekistan. (Asia Plus-Blitz)