The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), as the independent regulator of the Natural Gas Sector (NGS) under the Natural Gas Act, 2024, has today issued two public consultations aimed at strengthening the regulatory framework for natural gas in The Bahamas.

The first consultation document (NGS 05/2025) presents a Preliminary Determination and Draft Order on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Import Exemptions, specifically for vessels that arrive in The Bahamas carrying LNG in their fuel tanks solely for propulsion and operations, and not for commercial importation. URCA proposes to exempt such cases from licensing requirements to avoid disproportionate regulatory burdens while maintaining safety and environmental standards.

The second consultation document (NGS 06/2025) addresses proposed supplementary licences for natural gas activities, including new draft licences for LNG importation, terminal construction, and pipeline construction, which can be found in the document’s Annex.

These measures are designed to ensure the safe, efficient, and transparent development of the sector while supporting national energy policy objectives and protecting consumers.

Both consultations are open to comments from licensees, stakeholders, and the general public. URCA encourages all interested persons to carefully review the documents and provide feedback. All written submissions must be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on 12 October 2025.

Responses should be submitted by email to info@urcabahamas.bs.

URCA will carefully consider all submissions received before publishing its final determinations and regulatory measures.

Copies of the consultation documents can be found be here:

URCA Preliminary Determination on NGS Import Exemptions.

URCA Consultation on Supplementary Licences for the Natural Gas Sector in The Bahamas (NGS 06/2025)