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Constructive dialogue

At the Central office of NCE “Atameken” (NCE – National Chamber of Entrepreneurs) was held a video conference, where businesspersons from the regions were able to ask questions to representatives of “KazTransGas” JSC.

The experts of the Committee on regulation of natural monopolies, protection of competition and consumer rights of the Ministry of national economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan were also invited to the meeting to make the conversation constructive.

Mostly entrepreneurs of small and medium-sized businesses were interested in issues related to the conditions of purchase of gas providing one hundred percent advance payment, as well as gas tariffs and the possibility of their reduction.

On the first question, gas companies explained to entrepreneurs the reasons for the advance payment for gas, calling them forced. National gas operator buys from the subsoil users is the volume of gas bought consumers. At the same time, to date, the debt for the gas already provided to consumers in Kazakhstan exceeded 20 billion tenge (KZT) and the cancellation of the prepayment requirement will lead to an even greater increase in the debt.

In addition, in the case of shortage or busting of the ordered volumes, technological difficulties arise due to pressure drops in gas pipelines. As noted gas workers, twice a month entrepreneurs can adjust the volume of the order.

During the dialogue, the representatives of the gas operator noted that they are ready to consider the cancellation of prepayment, but depending on the volume of consumption. First, the measure may affect individual entrepreneurs. “We are ready for dialogue. Let go of the gas consumption. In this matter, we expect an honest dialogue on the part of business,” Deputy General Director of KazTransGas JSC, Yerkanat Temirkhanov said.

“If we want to achieve a 50% share of SMEs in the economy, we ask the operator to meet us halfway. Moreover, according to the Entrepreneurial code, small business is equal to individuals, and they have a delay of payment for a month. Yes, in the regions, the issue is resolved: through memoranda, conciliation commissions, in court. However, business needs to work; otherwise, it will be bogged down in the courts. I think in this question we need to find consensus with the “KazTransGas Aimak” JSC, he will meet”, – said Deputy Chairman of NCE of Kazakhstan “Atameken” Olzhas Karzhauov.

Not less important problem – the penalties for the unused volume of gas. For example, the company applies for consumption of 80 cubes per month, but in fact uses 60, for which the monopolist imposes a fine. First Deputy General Director of “KazTransGas Aimak” JSC Galym Aydosov, referring to paragraph 4 of article 9 of the Civil code, explained the legality of this rule, and explained why there are such requirements. “The gas is not in stock; it is put into a single gas transportation system and is calculated between consumers. Therefore,” I want to consume, and I want not to consume “– this is impossible. After all, even in the case of gas busting, it may not be enough, for example, a large utility company and the city may be left without heat. Nevertheless, you, as buyers, have the opportunity to adjust this volume twice a month. You can do it 10 days before the beginning of the month, and the second time – in the middle of the month,” Aydosov said.

“Atameken” NCE offered for the convenience of entrepreneurs to transfer the service of adjusting the volumes in an electronic format within the framework of the “Digital Kazakhstan” program. Similarly, in the NCE should digitize obtaining technical conditions for business.

On the second issue, the principle of pricing, which is fully under the control of the Government, was explained in detail to entrepreneurs. As representatives of the Antimonopoly Agency noted, from 60 to 80% of the price of commercial gas in the domestic market depends on the cost of gas from subsoil users. The rest is cleaning, drying, bringing the gas from the fields to the presentation, as well as its transportation. Due to the long distances from the fields in the West of Kazakhstan, to the southern regions, the price increases accordingly. At the same time, KazTransGas subsidizes domestic consumers, supplying blue fuel at a loss.

All the issues discussed during the video conference and requiring a more detailed analysis were recorded. As promised by the representatives of the chamber of entrepreneurs, such meetings with the solution of topical problems will be held on a regular basis.