Baku: Azerbaijan is set to develop comprehensive rules for gas usage following a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev to implement the ‘Gas Supply’ law. The decree mandates a series of actions to ensure proper regulation and safety in gas utilization across the country.
According to Trend News Agency, the decree requires the Cabinet of Ministers to prepare proposals to align national laws and presidential acts with the Gas Supply law within nine months. This involves setting annual gas consumption limits for major users, establishing technical service registers, regulating inspections of gas facilities and distribution systems, and ensuring compliance with safety and maintenance standards.
The Ministry of Energy has been tasked with approving technical service documentation within three months and establishing operational rules for gas facilities within nine months. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Emergency Situations is responsible for setting safety rules for gas facilities within the same timeframe. Additionally, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) must form separate legal entities for gas transmission, distribution, storage, wholesale, and retail by January 1, 2027, to promote advanced corporate governance practices.
The decree stipulates that presidential acts and regulations by central executive bodies related to the Gas Supply law will not take effect until the relevant provisions of the law are in force. President Aliyev’s approval of the decree is aimed at ensuring the full implementation of the Gas Supply law.