Law No. 233-VIIQ on gas supply.

This Law regulates the relations between gas supply entities, consumers and the government institutions operating in the gas supply sector regarding the transportation, distribution, storage, sale, import, consumption of gas and the operation of gas installations, and determines the legal, economic and organizational basis of gas supply. The objectives of state regulation in the gas supply sector are as follows: (i) ensuring energy security; (ii) ensuring a balance between the interests of gas supply entities and consumers; (iii) providing consumers with reliable, high-quality and accessible gas on an uninterrupted and safe basis. The duties of the state in the gas supply sector include but not limited to: ensuring the development of regional cooperation, promoting investments and supporting sustainable economic development; promoting efficient use of energy resources; taking necessary measures for the protection of the environment; carrying out control in the gas supply sector, including monitoring.
The transportation, distribution and storage of gas and the operation of industrial gas installations shall be carried out on the basis of permits issued in accordance with this Law. The permit conditions shall be determined by the rules on the gas supply system approved by the institution determined by the relevant executive authority. The gas distribution system operator shall establish a register of inspection and maintenance data. These data shall be open to the institution designated by the relevant executive authority, the regulator and consumers. For the purpose of developing the gas supply sector, short-, medium- and long-term state programs shall be adopted by the relevant institution. Each project of these state programs shall be subject to strategic environmental assessment in accordance with the procedure stipulated in the Law on Environmental Impact Assessment. Chapter 6 deals with the protection of gas supply facilities, protection zones and safety measures, whereas Chapter 7 lays down requirements for the protection of human life and health, property and the environment in the gas supply sector.