energy
April 14, 2026
CREG Redefines Rules for Converting Oil Pipelines into Gas Pipelines and Adjusts its Remuneration Scheme
Government plans to reactivate the Antonio Ricaurte Binational Gas Pipeline to import gas from Venezuela. Photo: Courtesy: Portafolio archive
TL;DR
- CREG resolution 102-023 of 2026 allows oil and product pipelines to be converted into natural gas pipelines.
- The regulation defines 'convertible assets' and the 'Interested Agent in Conversion' responsible for the process.
- Specific requirements include technical and economic information, proof of no legal/contractual limitations, and project viability.
- A new remuneration scheme recognizes existing investment (depreciated value), new adaptation investments, and early operation incentives.
- Operation and maintenance costs will follow general guidelines, with a reference value of 4.07% of investment if specific data is unavailable.
- Converted projects can be prioritized in the Natural Gas Supply Plan and integrated into the market's capacity assignment system.
- Mechanisms are in place to share benefits or additional costs between agents and users, promoting efficiency.
- Transition measures are included to ensure coherence with existing regulations and service continuity.