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The Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is implementing significant changes to natural gas billing, following the introduction of a new pricing system for electricity earlier this year. The new structure will introduce a more equitable way of calculating bills based on the annual average consumption of each city.
Changes in the Natural Gas Pricing System
Starting soon, the new tariff will focus on annual consumption averages by city, taking into account both hot and cold climate zones to ensure fairer billing. With this system, households that exceed their city’s average consumption will pay for natural gas based on actual costs, while those who use less will benefit from state-subsidized rates, maintaining the current lower prices. The new pricing scheme is expected to be fully operational by the end of the year.
Regional Variations in Gas Consumption
As expected, the colder regions of Turkey will see higher gas consumption and, consequently, higher bills. According to the latest data from 2023, the province of Hakkari, with an annual consumption of 1,401 m³, is the highest consumer of natural gas. It is followed by other colder cities such as Erzurum, Ardahan, Muş, and Ağrı. On the other hand, cities with milder winters, like Adana, Osmaniye, Mersin, and Antalya, show the least consumption, with Adana’s annual usage at just 521 m³.
Interestingly, the average gas consumption in Istanbul, which has a population nearing 20 million, stands at 869 m³. Ankara’s average is 1,067 m³, while Izmir’s is 736 m³.
Electricity Price System Already in Effect
This new natural gas pricing system follows a similar approach that was already implemented at the beginning of this year for electricity bills. Under this system, households consuming more than 5,000 kWh of electricity annually now pay according to the actual cost of electricity. This shift, now being extended to natural gas, aims to align subsidies with those who truly need them, promote energy efficiency, and encourage sustainable energy use across Turkey.
Purpose Behind the Change
The purpose behind these new pricing policies is multi-fold. First, the government intends to redirect energy subsidies to those in genuine need, ensuring a fairer distribution. Additionally, the system aims to boost energy efficiency in households, encouraging consumers to use natural gas and electricity more judiciously. Lastly, the reforms are designed to promote the use of sustainable energy sources, reducing the strain on Turkey’s resources while simultaneously managing consumption better.
This change in Turkey’s natural gas billing system marks a major step toward fairer pricing, tailored to regional differences. While those in colder climates may face higher bills, the shift to a more sustainable and efficient energy model is a crucial step in managing Turkey’s energy resources better. It will be interesting to see how this system impacts consumer behavior in the long run. Will people in colder regions adjust their usage, or will they simply have to absorb the increased costs?
Only time will tell, but this move certainly shows Turkey’s commitment to ensuring fair energy distribution and efficiency in the long term.
For more news and updates, visit NewstimesTurkey.com.
Source: www.e-haber.net
