Tbilisi City Hall has issued fines to liquefied gas sales facilities, while sector representatives say the regulation on hazardous materials may not apply to gas stations.
The chairman of the Association of Liquefied Gas Importers and Salesmen, Nariman Pirtskheliani, says in an interview with the BMG program that the sector is preparing a letter demanding the cancellation of fines and a discussion with Tbilisi City Hall. He claims the technical standards required by a Tbilisi City Council resolution contradict international standards recognized by the Georgian government.
“There is one point in the resolution that flammable and explosive materials must be placed in a building, when this is not allowed and impossible, because a block-type liquefied gas station cannot be placed in a building based on fire and other safety standards,” Pirtskheliani said.
He adds that a 2013 government resolution recognizes standards from 37 countries, which prohibit placing liquefied gas stations inside buildings.
“A group of lawyers is preparing a letter based on current laws, which will be sent to City Hall and other structures,” he said. “Fines must be suspended and canceled.”
Pirtskheliani states that the process of issuing fines is ongoing, with up to 40 fines already imposed. The association notes that around 40 gas stations in Tbilisi have been fined, with penalties ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 GEL.
New rules that came into force on January 1, 2026, regulate the placement and sale of hazardous materials, including flammable and explosive substances. Violations can result in fines that are five times higher under the updated standards.
Similar restrictions have already affected the tire sales sector, where businesses in certain residential areas have been required to relocate.
