Tbilisi, Georgia, Nov.4
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
The ministry of economy of Georgia prepares a bill which will tighten the requirements for safety on the gas stations of the country.
The bill requires the introduction of a fine from 200 to 1500 GEL ($1 = 1.76 GEL) for non-compliance of gas filling stations with the safety norms.
In addition, a penalty of 1,000 GEL is required for gas filling stations which work without a license, and a fine of 750 GEL for refusing to conduct a legal check, according to the bill.
"The number of gas stations for cars in Georgia has increased dramatically in recent years, but there is no control over them," the Deputy Economy Minister Natia Mikeladze told the Kommersant radio. "This leads to greater risks, as the gas is dangerous itself. Accordingly, the government intends to carry out technical supervision over their condition, and in particular this applies to the security requirements."
Owners of gas filling stations in Georgia welcome the new initiative of the government.
In particular, the company has built 20 gas stations in Georgia so far that are fully compliant with international standards, SOCAR Energy corporate director Irakli Zubitashvili told reporters Nov.4.
"It is important that standards are adhered to by all," said Zubitashvili. "It is necessary that the indicated field is tightly controlled by the state for the maximum protection of the interests of the population as a whole."