On Thursday 1 June, the European Commission decided to open a formal investigation to determine whether Transgaz, the Romanian gas infrastructure manager, blocked exports of Romanian gas to other member states, following inspections carried out in June 2016.
Transgaz, which is the only natural gas transport network operator in Romania, may have devised a strategy to restrict exports of gas from Romania to various other member states of the EU. It is suspected of having done so through charges to use the interconnection network, under-investment or delays in the construction of the infrastructure needed to export gas and unfounded technical arguments to justify the inability to export gas or delays.
If it is shown that Transgaz did have recourse to these practices, its strategy would be an infringement of article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, as the company would have abused its dominant position to restrict competition on the EU market and limit the choice of gas supply routes. This practice would run counter to the interests of EU consumers and the objectives of the Energy Union, which aim for reinforced integration and security of supply on the European energy markets. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)