Reply #1: Was the revolution caused by diversion of energy to the US base

[FarCenter]

In another news report, 35000 US personnel go through Kyrgyzstan each month. Also, a large fraction of the mid-air refueling flights over Afghanistan are done out of the US base in Kyrgyzstan.

This must require the delivery of a lot of jet fuel to the US base.

The following is a story from February.

http://dev.eurasianet.org/node/32747
Kyrgyzstan: Utility Price Hike Squeezes Citizens

Utility consumers in Kyrgyzstan are bracing for the arrival of their first bills since energy and hot water tariffs skyrocketed at the outset of the new year. For many, the new utility rates may serve as a dose of cold reality that fuels anxiety about a potential decline in living standards.

Utility consumers in Kyrgyzstan are bracing for the arrival of their first bills since energy and hot water tariffs skyrocketed at the outset of the new year. For many, the new utility rates may serve as a dose of cold reality that fuels anxiety about a potential decline in living standards.

Pressed by the frail Soviet-era infrastructure, as well as by regular electricity shortfalls, officials say they need more revenue so that they can invest in the energy sector. Last fall, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov unveiled a plan to increase tariffs in two phases in 2010, starting on New Year’s Day and jumping again in July.

January bills are due to arrive at homes in the next few days. Some analysts worry about the public reaction to the hikes. In 2010, heating costs are rising by 400 percent; electricity by 170 percent. The price of hot water - a fee calculated according to the size of a resident’s dwelling -- more than doubled at the start of the year.
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