Gas Act of 1998.

The present Act establishes the basic principles of the organization and regulation of the activities regarding the production, storage, transportation, distribution and supply of gas as well as the institutional system of the protection of consumers. The goal of the Act is to set up the legal framework of an effective competition in the gas market in order to increase the efficiency of the gas industry. The scope of the present Act shall cover the following: a) production and storage of combustible gases (hereinafter: gas); b) transportation and distribution of gas; c) gas supply activities, including gas import and export and gas transit; d) prices for gas and regulations for the gas industry; e) licensing f) protection of the interests of consumers. The present Act regulates the legal relationships between the partners in the gas market: gas entities, suppliers and consumers. The scope of the present Act shall not extend to the utilization of bottled gas. The utilization of bottled gas shall be regulated in accordance with a Government Decree. The document consists of VIII Chapters that contain 36 Articles. Chapter I (arts. 1-3) lays down general provisions. Chapter II ( rts.4-12) defines administrative competence and protection of consumers. Chapter III (arts. 13-18) regards licensing. Chapter IV (arts. 19-23) concerns rights to other parties real estate. Chapter V (arts. 24-28) deals with production, storage, transportation, distribution and supply of gas. Chapter VI (arts. 29-33) establishes legal relationships between suppliers and consumers. Chapter VII (art. 34) regards tariff regulations. Chapter VIII (arts. 35 and 36) lays down final and transitory provisions.