DUSHANBE, January 16, Asia-Plus  -- More than 10 issues were discussed at a January 15 extraordinary government session presided over by President Emomali Rahmon.   

Senior representatives from the ministry of energy and industries, state energy company Barqi Tojik and state natural-gas-distributor Tojikgaz reported on measures taken to ensure regular of the country’s economy during winter months.   

During the meeting it was noted that 617 shops for realizing coals and 265 shops for realizing liquefied gas were established in the country last year.  Compared to 2006 extraction of coal and generation of electricity increased by 60 percent, while extraction of natural gas decreased by 13 percent.   

In 2007, the Dushanbe heat and power plant generated electricity 151 million kWh more and heat 188,000 gigacalories more than in 2006.   

 It was also noted that compared to 2006, the water level in the reservoir powering the Norak hydroelectricity power station decreased.   

Speaking at the meeting, the head of state, in particular, ordered to increase supply of daily electricity to Dushanbe by 1 million kWh at the expense of reducing electricity supplies to the Tajik Aluminum Company (TALCO).    

The session also considered a number of other issues, including agreements signed with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan as well as amendments to some laws.