The Municipality of Tbilisi continues to impose fines on liquid gas sales facilities, while businesses argue that regulations concerning the placement of hazardous materials in functional zones do not apply to gas stations. The Chairman of the Association of Liquid Gas Importers and Sellers discussed the issue in an interview with Business Course, stating that the sector is preparing a letter demanding the removal of the fines and a discussion of the matter with the relevant authorities. According to the association, the technical standards required by Tbilisi City Council’s decree contradict internationally recognized standards established by the Georgian government.
One key point in the decree requires easily flammable and explosive materials to be located inside buildings, which the association argues is impossible for liquid gas stations due to fire and safety standards. “A liquid gas block-type station cannot be located inside a building, as it violates fire safety and other security standards,” explained the chairman. The association refers to a 2013 government decree that recognizes the standards and regulations of 37 countries, which allow for liquid gas stations to be established under certain conditions, specifically excluding their placement inside buildings.
The association is working with a group of lawyers to draft a letter based on the existing laws, which will be sent to the Municipality and other relevant authorities. The letter will clarify where and under what conditions liquid gas stations should be located according to Georgian law. "The fines must be stopped and annulled. The fine process has not been stopped yet. We have already received information that up to 40 fines have been issued," said Nariman Pirtskheliani, the Chairman of the Association.
According to the association, approximately 40 gas stations in Tbilisi have been fined, with fines ranging from 2,500 to 5,000 GEL. The new regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2026, also cover the placement and sale of materials like used tires, scrap metal, and other easily flammable, explosive, or fragile materials. These new rules restrict the sale of such products in specific areas of Tbilisi, with a significantly higher fine for violations under the new standards—up to five times higher than before.
The new rules have already affected the tire sales sector, with restrictions on the sale of used tires in certain residential areas of Tbilisi. As a result, sellers have been forced to find alternative spaces for their operations.
