Mazhilis Approves Bill on Prudent Gas Consumption at First Reading

Mazhilis Approves Bill on Prudent Gas Consumption at First Reading

Deputies of the Mazhilis have approved, at first reading during a plenary session, a draft law concerning gas supply and the prudent consumption of commercial gas.

Deputies of the Mazhilis have approved, at first reading during a plenary session, a draft law concerning gas supply and the prudent consumption of commercial gas.

The bill, initiated by members of Parliament, was presented by one of its authors, Yedil Zhanbyrshin, Chair of the Mazhilis Committee on Ecology and Natural Resource Management.

"In recent years, the country has seen a marked increase in gas consumption. On the one hand, this reflects the success of the gasification policy; on the other, it places the issue of responsible and economical use of commercial gas firmly on the agenda. As the Head of State has noted, the availability of energy resources must not serve as grounds for their uncontrolled consumption. On the contrary, this is precisely the time when the principles of energy efficiency and conservation should become an integral part of state policy," Mr Zhanbyrshin said.

To this end, the draft law proposes the introduction of gas consumption norms and a differentiated pricing approach. In order to improve the accuracy and transparency of metering, a phased transition to remote data transmission meters is envisaged, alongside the creation of a unified digital gas accounting system. The replacement of meters, the deputy stressed, will be financed by gas supply companies.

The bill also seeks to address the issue of inefficient intermediaries and so-called "double tariffs" by prohibiting the transportation of commercial gas through a single gas distribution system by two or more distribution companies simultaneously. Such companies will be required to connect directly to the main gas pipeline.

To resolve the problem of ownerless gas pipelines, the amendments introduce an obligation for private investors to transfer the pipelines they construct to the ownership of the relevant gas distribution company-once construction costs have been reimbursed-provided the pipelines are connected to that company's network.

The draft law further includes provisions aimed at improving safety standards at automotive gas filling stations. It proposes mandatory underground installation of storage tanks for new stations and introduces a transitional period for existing facilities, requiring them to relocate tanks underground by 1 January 2031. Refuelling of vehicles and domestic gas cylinders outside legally designated areas would be prohibited. Local executive authorities would also be granted powers to set limits on the number of automotive gas filling stations.

The proposed amendments would introduce corresponding changes to the laws "On State Property", "On Gas and Gas Supply", "On Natural Monopolies" and "On Public Procurement".

During the debate, deputies raised concerns regarding regional gasification, the provision of gas to specific settlements and support for socially vulnerable groups. Members of the Mazhilis also questioned government representatives on measures to encourage prudent gas consumption, tariff policy, the digitalisation of gas production and distribution, geological exploration to replenish the resource base, and the concrete steps being taken by executive authorities and the national company QazaqGaz to increase domestic gas output.

Following the debate, the Mazhilis approved the bill at first reading.