Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Board (“Board”) has amended certain requirements for the Petroleum Pipeline Corporation’s (BOTAS) operation of the national natural gas transmission pipeline network. Changes apply to time limits for End of Day Trade, notifications regarding capacity transfers or changes of supplier, as well as arrangements for Standard Charter Agreements if a supplier or exporter’s license is revoked.
Board decision Number 6646 (“Decision”) was published in the Official Gazette on 7 December 2016, entering into effect on 1 January 2017.
Significant amendments introduced by the Decision include:
- BOTAS will now publish the Gas Usage Limits which includes the minimum daily natural gas amount projected to be absorbed in the Main Exit Point and Secondary Exit Point.
- If a supplier or exporter’s (“Charterer”) license is revoked, any Standard Charter Agreement with BOTAS will now be terminated, provided there are no more liabilities outstanding under the agreement. The Performance Guarantee Letter will be returned to the Charterer.
- Investment costs to connect the distribution system to the transmission network will be paid either by BOTAS or jointly by the relevant Distributor Company and BOTAS.
- Time limits now apply to notify BOTAS for capacity transfers or changes of supplier:
- Notification must be made by the 20th of the month before the month the transfer or change of supplier is scheduled.
- For capacity transfers, BOTAS must respond by the 25th of the month before the month the transfer is scheduled. BOTAS must respond to transfer requests within three days of the application date.
- For the day before the last day of the month, Charterers can conduct End of Day Trade until 12:00 of the 5th day after such day. For the final day of the month, Charterers can conduct End of Day Trade until 12:00 of the 4th day following such day. Charterers must notify BOTAS about the agreed amounts.
Please see this link for the full text of the Decision (only available in Turkish).
