Croatia is preparing an intermediate household gas pricing system starting Oct. 1, 2027, with a transition period before full deregulation of household gas supply. The approach is designed to delay immediate full market opening while exposing consumers more gradually to wholesale market prices.
HERA consultation on regulated public-service gas alongside market offers
Energy regulator HERA is consulting on a model under which households would keep access to regulated public-service gas supply while also being able to choose commercial market offers. The consultation indicates that the existing methodology for setting public-service prices would broadly remain in place.
Under the proposal, regulated tariffs could be adjusted to be more responsive to changing market conditions. HERA is also reviewing how supplier obligations would operate within the distribution area.
Changes to supplier obligations and public-service provision
Instead of appointing public-service suppliers through tenders, companies that offer commercial household gas contracts in a distribution area would also be required to provide a regulated public-service option there. HERA expects the framework to increase competition without immediately removing consumer protection that became particularly important during the 2022-23 energy crisis.
The regulator said it is conducting a fresh assessment covering wholesale and retail competition, security of supply, and barriers to fully market-based pricing. The assessment is intended to inform whether conditions support further steps toward deregulation.
Switching rates and pace of move toward full retail deregulation
HERA highlighted that low household switching rates remain an obstacle to immediate deregulation. This factor is expected to shape Croatia’s pace as it continues moving cautiously toward a fully commercial retail gas market.
