Construction of a key segment of the Central Asia-China gas pipeline in Tajikistan has been delayed due to pricing disagreements among participating countries, Energy Minister Daler Juma announced at a press conference.

While Tajikistan has finalized its section of the project, Minister Juma confirmed ongoing disputes between other involved nations. "Tajikistan has resolved all issues related to the pipeline within its territory," he stated, "but differences have arisen among other participating countries."

The pipeline, known as Line D, stretches 966 kilometers (600 miles) from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and finally into China. Construction began in September 2014 with a much-publicized ceremony attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.

The Tajik section alone requires building 42 mountain tunnels totaling 63.3 kilometers (39.4 miles) along with other infrastructure. Once completed, Line D aims to transport natural gas from Turkmenistan's massive Galkynysh field, estimated to be one of the world's largest, with a capacity of 30 billion cubic meters per year.

The Central Asia-China gas pipeline, encompassing Lines A, B, and C, already spans over 1,900 kilometers (1,180 miles) through Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan, connecting with a further 4,500 kilometers (2,800 miles) within China. The stalled Line D construction threatens to disrupt a major energy corridor crucial for both China and Central Asian nations.

Specific details regarding the nature of the pricing disagreements and which countries are involved remain undisclosed. However, the delay presents a significant hurdle for a project touted as a vital contributor to regional energy security and economic development.