The duration of the current access arrangement for the Roma to Brisbane pipeline has been extended to 30 September 2006 from its current revision date of 29 July 2006.
The delay in finalising the revised access arrangement followed delays in receiving relevant information from the pipeline operator, APT Petroleum Pipelines Limited (APTPPL).
"The delay in receipt of relevant information resulted in the postponement of the ACCC's request for public submissions on APTPPL's proposed access terms", ACCC Commissioner, Mr Ed Willett said. "In turn, this has slowed the ACCC's consideration of a reference tariff for the pipeline".
The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) is advising the ACCC on its assessment of the proposed revised access arrangement.
The ACCC is expected to release its draft decision on the proposed access terms for the pipeline in the second half of August. A final decision on access terms for the pipeline might not be completed until late-October.
Mr Willett said the ACCC will provide further advice if the duration of the current access arrangement needs to be extended beyond 30 September.
"As most pipeline users currently transport gas under long-term contracts the delay in finalising the access arrangement is not expected to have a material impact at this time".
