Ban on the Installation of Gas Cylinders in Bus Passenger Compartments

The National Assembly of Armenia discussed the draft law presented by the government on its second reading, proposing the licensing of entities that install gas cylinder equipment on vehicles operating on compressed natural or liquefied petroleum gas in Armenia.

The draft law on amendments and additions to the Law on Licensing received 81 votes in favor, 29 against, and 3 abstentions during the parliamentary session.

Accordingly, it is proposed to license entities that carry out the installation of gas cylinder equipment and/or the periodic certification of gas cylinders on vehicles operating on compressed natural or liquefied petroleum gas in Armenia. The government is also proposed to be granted the authority to establish the procedures for the installation of gas cylinder equipment and/or the periodic certification of gas cylinders for vehicles operating on compressed natural or liquefied petroleum gas, excluding the refilling of expired or unverified gas cylinders at refueling stations.

The draft law stipulates that gas cylinders in operation must undergo mandatory certification. The installation of gas cylinders in bus passenger compartments is prohibited. Gas cylinders installed on the roof of buses must be protected from direct sunlight, snow, and rain with a casing, while also ensuring access to the cylinder valves for the purpose of checking their hermeticity.

Additionally, the draft law establishes regulatory mechanisms that impose administrative liability on those who violate the established requirements. An increase in the safety of vehicles equipped with gas cylinder systems is expected.