2020 was marked by significant legislative innovations in the Georgian petroleum products market. According to the Union of Oil Product Importers, businesses initiated and participated in all significant legislative changes, which is positively assessed.
Georgia has tightened controls on unaccounted fuel imports and sales. It was done by the Order №92 of the Minister of Finance of Georgia (April 6, 2020) on the approval of the instructions on the movement and registration of goods on the customs territory of Georgia, which amended the Order №257 of the Minister of Finance of Georgia of August 29, 2019. According to the mentioned order, restrictions were imposed on the import of fuel by fuel tanks by various types of vehicles entering the territory of Georgia. This resolution has worked significantly with the problem of unaccounted diesel fuel.
Amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offenses of Georgia and the Criminal Code of Georgia, as a result of which the sanctions related to the import, sale, and production of poor quality fuel in Georgia were significantly tightened.
Liquid gas (LPG) was subject to a single excise tax. In particular, amendments were made to the Tax Code, according to which instead of a two-stage excise tax, the first stage was paying GEL 120 at the time of direct import, then if the product was delivered as a motor fuel, an additional GEL 180 was paid to the state budget. According to the change, the excise tax in the amount of GEL 300 was paid directly upon importing the product. Also, products with commodity code (290110000000, 290123), which were not subject to excise tax, were taxed with GEL 300. It has led to the creation of a competitive environment in the liquefied gas market, all entrepreneurs have been put on an equal platform, and the state receives its revenue in full.
The list of quality standards for gasoline has increased. The control of this fuel tightened. Additional components were added to the resolution, thus harmonizing the quality of gasoline with European environmental norms.
Euro 5 standard commitment for diesel postponed for one year. Amendments to the Resolution №238 of the Government of Georgia according to which the adoption of the new diesel standard was delayed for one year. It will help to continue to present relatively low-priced Azerbaijani diesel fuel in the country.
"Despite the economic problems in the country, new gas stations have been built and developed throughout the year in the oil industry. Both branded and non-branded companies have made significant investments. Today, there are more than 1 200 petrol stations in Georgia," the Union of Oil Product Importers revealed.
