New procedures and principles regarding the natural gas purchases to be made by the Petroleum Pipeline Corporation (BOTAŞ) from domestic and international markets have entered into force. The related Presidential Decree was published in the Official Gazette.
Under the regulation, BOTAŞ's natural gas purchases to be carried out under subparagraph (m) of Article 3 of the Public Procurement Law No. 4734, as well as all procurement processes for these purchases, will be conducted according to the new rules.
International Market Data to Be Basis
According to the new regulation, comprehensive research and evaluation will be conducted for natural gas purchases, taking into account bids submitted in previous purchases, price movements in international natural gas markets, global developments, and the current status of companies operating in the market.
BOTAŞ will shape its purchasing processes using publications on international natural gas markets and other market data.
Companies That Breach Contracts May Be Removed from List
Under the decree, companies that failed to fulfill their obligations in previous contracts with BOTAŞ may be removed from the qualification list upon the administration's assessment.
On the other hand, new firms may be added to the qualification list with the approval of the Board of Directors in line with market conditions, new entrants to the sector, and BOTAŞ's purchasing strategies. Impartial evaluation criteria determined by the administration will be used for additions to and removals from the list.
Direct Purchase and Negotiated Procedure Regulated
The new procedures and principles also set out rules for direct purchase and non-publicized negotiation methods to be applied in natural gas purchases. Additionally, prohibited acts and behaviors, along with the penal provisions to be applied, are included in the regulation.
