Government cuts subsidies for its largely impoverished citizens
Since 1993 in Turkmenistan has provided its citizens with free access to water, electricity and natural gas. In 2007, the new president introduced limitations. Overall subsidies represent 22% of GDP. The global economic crisis is reducing the government's finances. The country consumes 36.7% of the natural gas it produces. “The time has come to move to market relations. Now we must all learn to pay,” a government official said.
