Croatia is preparing an intermediate household gas pricing system from Oct. 1, 2027, delaying immediate full deregulation while exposing consumers more gradually to wholesale market prices.
Energy regulator HERA is consulting on a model under which households would retain access to regulated public-service gas supply alongside commercial market offers.
The existing methodology for setting public-service prices would broadly remain, although regulated tariffs could be made more responsive to changing market conditions.
Supplier obligations would also change. Instead of appointing public-service suppliers through tenders, companies offering commercial household gas contracts in a distribution area would also be required to provide a regulated public-service option there.
HERA expects the system to increase competition without immediately removing the consumer protection that became particularly important during the 2022-23 energy crisis.
The regulator is conducting a fresh assessment of wholesale and retail competition, security of supply and barriers to fully market-based pricing.
Low household switching rates remain an obstacle to immediate deregulation, suggesting Croatia will continue moving cautiously toward a fully commercial retail gas market.
