Stronger gas odor: GasNet checks Czech gas pipelines for leaks before winter

The largest gas distributor in the Czech Republic, GasNet, will increase the odor intensity of the natural gas it supplies from Monday, 24 November, to Friday, 28 November 2025. This intensive odorization is carried out every year before the start of the main heating season. It takes place throughout the Czech Republic, and all three gas distribution companies are carrying it out during this period. The significantly stronger smell of natural gas will test the condition of gas pipelines and enable customers to detect even the smallest leaks in indoor gas pipes or gas appliances. Intensive odorization is a preventive measure and will not interrupt or restrict gas supplies.

“Odorization is one of the main pillars of the safe and reliable operation of our distribution network. Following inspections of gas facilities carried out mainly in spring and summer, this is the last major check before the frosts. We want to be sure that our infrastructure is as prepared as possible for the peak of the heating season,” says Andrzej Martynek, CEO of the GasNet Group, adding: “During intensive odorization, we receive up to 50% more reports on our 24/7 emergency hotline. Despite this increased workload, our staff will investigate every reported suspicion of a gas leak.”

A stronger gas smell can reveal even minor leaks

Natural gas is odorless in its natural state. That is why a strong-smelling substance known as an odorant is added to it at special facilities called odorization stations.

“The GasNet Group carries out odorization at 98 odorization stations. We odorize natural gas at these stations throughout the year. As part of this autumn campaign, however, we will temporarily double the amount of odorant, ensuring a reliable check of our network before winter,” says Petr Koutný, GasNet’s chief operating officer.

During the five days of intensive odorization, GasNet will use around 1,800 kg of odorant. The distributor transports it to the odorization sites from its eight central warehouses. Normally, about 10 mg of odorant is added to one cubic metre of distributed gas; during intensive odorization, the amount rises to as much as 20 mg.

Suspect a gas leak? Call the 24/7 emergency hotline on 1239

The odorant has a characteristic sulfurous smell reminiscent of rotten eggs. If people smell it, they should immediately call the gas emergency service, available around the clock, on 1239.

Callers should give the operator their name, address and nearby landmarks to help GasNet Group emergency staff reach the suspected fault as quickly as possible.

Owners are responsible for indoor gas pipes and appliances

The GasNet Group’s pipelines and other gas facilities are inspected regularly throughout the year, and the distributor is responsible for their reliability. The distributor’s gas facilities end at the service pipe, before the customer’s main gas shut-off valve.

Owners—usually the owners of the property in question—are responsible for the safe operation of customer gas equipment, including indoor gas pipes in houses or apartments and gas appliances such as cookers and boilers. The gas distributor does not service or repair this equipment; customers should always contact specialists, such as heating engineers or gas service companies.

These are companies that specialise in heating, gas and plumbing. Manufacturers and sellers of gas appliances also offer these services. Some gas suppliers with whom customers have a gas supply contract also offer inspections and repairs of gas equipment.

“Indoor gas pipes and gas appliances need to be inspected regularly. Their owners are fully responsible for ensuring they are in working order and safe. As a preventive measure, we recommend having indoor pipes and gas appliances checked at least once a year,” says Petr Koutný of GasNet.