Promulgated by the State Council on November 19, 2010
Amended in accordance with the Decision on Amending the Regulations on the Administration of Urban Fuel Gas adopted by the State Council on February 6, 2016
Effective: March 1, 2011
Table of Contents
Chapter I — General Provisions
Article 1 — These Regulations are formulated for the purposes of strengthening the administration of urban fuel gas, ensuring the supply of fuel gas, preventing and reducing fuel gas safety accidents, safeguarding the safety of citizens’ lives and property and the lawful rights and interests of fuel gas operators, and promoting the healthy development of the fuel gas industry.
Article 2 — These Regulations shall apply to the planning and construction of urban fuel gas, the operation and use of fuel gas, the protection of fuel gas facilities, and the prevention and handling of fuel gas safety accidents.
The term “fuel gas” as used in these Regulations includes natural gas (including coalbed methane), liquefied petroleum gas, artificial coal gas, and other gaseous fuels used as energy sources.
Article 3 — The administration of urban fuel gas shall adhere to the principles of overall planning, ensuring safety, ensuring supply, standardizing services, and combining energy conservation and efficiency.
Article 4 — The construction administrative department under the State Council shall be responsible for the administration of urban fuel gas nationwide. The fuel gas administrative departments of the local people’s governments at or above the county level shall be responsible for the administration of urban fuel gas within their respective administrative regions.
Chapter II — Planning, Construction and Facilities
Article 5 — The fuel gas administrative departments of the local people’s governments at or above the county level shall, in conjunction with the relevant departments, formulate fuel gas development plans in accordance with the national economic and social development plans, and submit them to the people’s governments at the same level for approval and implementation.
Article 6 — The construction of fuel gas facilities shall comply with the fuel gas development plan and the relevant state standards and technical specifications.
Article 7 — New construction, reconstruction and expansion projects of fuel gas facilities shall undergo safety assessment and environmental impact assessment in accordance with law.
Article 8 — A protection zone shall be set up around fuel gas facilities, and the delineation of the protection zone shall comply with the relevant state standards and specifications.
Within the protection zone of fuel gas facilities, it is prohibited to carry out activities that may endanger the safety of fuel gas facilities, such as blasting, piling, excavation and earth-borrowing.
Chapter III — Operation and Services
Article 9 — Fuels gas operators shall obtain a Fuel Gas Operation Permit before engaging in fuel gas operation activities.
Article 10 — Fuel gas operators shall sign fuel gas supply and use contracts with fuel gas users in accordance with law, specifying the rights and obligations of the parties.
Article 11 — Fuel gas operators shall continuously, stably and safely supply fuel gas that meets the quality standards, and shall guide users in using fuel gas safely and economically.
Article 12 — Fuel gas operators shall publicly display the service items, service procedures, fee charging items and standards, and shall accept public supervision.
Article 13 — The fuel gas administrative department shall establish and improve the supervision and administration system, and shall supervise and inspect the fuel gas operation, service quality and safe production conditions of fuel gas operators.
Chapter IV — Safety Administration
Article 14 — Fuel gas operators shall establish and improve safety production rules and regulations and shall conduct regular safety inspections of fuel gas facilities.
Article 15 — Fuel gas operators shall formulate emergency plans for fuel gas safety accidents and shall organize regular emergency drills.
Article 16 — Where a fuel gas safety accident occurs, the fuel gas operator shall immediately activate the emergency plan, organize rescue operations, and report to the fuel gas administrative department and the relevant departments in accordance with regulations.
Article 17 — Fuel gas users shall comply with the rules for the safe use of fuel gas and shall not dismantle, alter or damage fuel gas facilities and metering devices without authorization.
Chapter V — Legal Liability
Article 18 — Where an entity or individual engages in fuel gas operation without obtaining a Fuel Gas Operation Permit, the fuel gas administrative department shall order it to cease the illegal act, confiscate its illegal gains, and impose a fine of not less than RMB 50,000 but not more than RMB 500,000.
Article 19 — Where a fuel gas operator fails to safely protect fuel gas facilities in accordance with regulations, the fuel gas administrative department shall order it to make corrections and impose a fine.
Article 20 — Where a staff member of the fuel gas administrative department abuses his or her power, neglects his or her duties or engages in malpractice for personal gain, he or she shall be subject to administrative sanctions in accordance with law; if a crime is constituted, criminal liability shall be pursued in accordance with law.
Chapter VI — Supplementary Provisions
Article 21 — The administration of rural fuel gas shall be governed by reference to these Regulations.
Article 22 — These Regulations shall come into force on March 1, 2011.
Disclaimer: This translation is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While reasonable efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, this is an unofficial translation and may not reflect the most current amendments or interpretations. For authoritative legal guidance, please consult the official Chinese text and seek advice from qualified legal professionals. Dan Young Business Consultancy makes no warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of this translation. Use of this translation is at your own risk.
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