Gas company DEPA Commercial has objected to gas grid operator DESFA’s proposal for maintenance, in 2024, of an LNG Truck Loading surcharge at last year’s level of 650 euros per load, preferring, instead, lower fees for this service.

DESFA, defending its price-maintenance position in public consultation conducted by RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, noted that a hike of this surcharge would create more obstacles for the LNG Truck Loading service and possibly destabilize the market, while a reduction jeopardize the recovery of related investment costs.

DESFA, as a result, concluded that maintaining the LNG Truck Loading surcharge’s current level would offer stability to the market by enabling users to further test the new LNG Truck Loading service and enhancing market growth.

Expressing its disagreement, DEPA Commercial called for a reduction of the LNG Truck Loading surcharge, stressing it was introduced as a temporary fee that would become permanent if DESFA’s stance on the matter were adopted.

Elaborating further, DEPA Commercial pointed out that the cost burden on users, which is ultimately passed on to consumers in the retail market, would lead to two adverse effects. Firstly, LNG slot-reservation growth would be inhibited and, secondly, LNG market penetration would become more difficult for industrial consumers and others who are distanced from networks and would prefer to stop using higher polluting fuels.

The LNG Truck Loading service was launched last November following a trial run in spring, 2023 with participation from Blue Grid, DEPA Commercial and Motor Oil Hellas.