Chapter 13 (Efficiency and Promotion of Competition in the Fuel Market) of the Economic Plan Bill (Legislative Amendments for the Implementation of Economic Policy for the 2026 Budget Year), 5786-2026 [Split pursuant to Section 84(b) of the Knesset Rules of Procedure]

The law is intended to promote competition in the fuel market, streamline infrastructure, and ensure a regular and continuous supply of fuel, both in routine and emergency situations. Main changes: Fuel infrastructure fee mechanism: A mechanism will be established to collect "infrastructure fees" from fuel infrastructure operators. The infrastructure fees will be used to reimburse the costs of construction, maintenance, and development of fuel infrastructure, and will enable the financing of investments in new infrastructure. The tariffs will be determined by a council to be established for this purpose, which will be composed of government representatives and public representatives. Operating company: A company will be selected to operate the system, collect the infrastructure fees, and manage the funds. The company will operate according to principles of neutrality and fair competition. Entry to real estate: The authority of owners of underground fuel infrastructure (such as pipelines) to enter private or public real estate for the purpose of construction, maintenance, operation, and inspection of the infrastructure has been regulated. Entry will be permitted after providing prior notice to the property owners, with the possibility of objection and compensation in the event of damage. In urgent cases, it will be possible to enter the real estate without prior notice, but with an obligation to provide immediate notice thereafter. Supervision and enforcement powers: Inspectors will be appointed to oversee the implementation of the law. In the event of violations, it will be possible to impose administrative financial sanctions, ranging from an administrative warning to the imposition of fines. Furthermore, it will be possible to demand an undertaking to refrain from a violation, and even to forfeit a deposit in the event of a breach of the undertaking. Definitions and council: New terms related to fuel infrastructure have been defined, and a council for determining infrastructure fees has been established, which will be composed of government representatives and public representatives. The law is intended to ensure the continuity of fuel supply, strengthen competition in the market, reduce costs, and increase the operational efficiency of fuel infrastructure.

Source: חומר רקע