On Friday 21 September, the European Commission invited interested parties to share their observations concerning the commitments made by Transgaz to respond to the institution's concerns regarding a potential competition distortion in respect of the export of natural gas from Romania to other member states.
This call for contributions comes as part of the formal investigation procedure launched in June 2017 by the Commission (see EUROPE 11800) amid concerns that Transgaz, the Romanian state-controlled gas transportation manager, was limiting exports of natural gas from Romania and was therefore in breach of EU competition rules.
To address the Commission's concerns, Transgaz has proposed, amongst other things, to increase its export capacity from 0.1 to 4 billion m³ a year at the interconnection points with Hungary and Bulgaria, not to distinguish between export and national tariffs and not to restrict exports.
The company suggested that it undertake to comply with these commitments until 2025, with an independent expert to be responsible for confirming that it is in compliance.
Interested parties have four weeks from the publication of the company's commitments in the Official Journal of the European Union to submit their comments. The Commission states that these contributions may assist it in reaching a decision on the matter. (Original version in French by Lucas Tripoteau)