According to the Romanian media, the DirectorateGeneral for Competition of the European Commission (EC) has launched an investigation of the Romanian gas market after a complained from one Hungarian company.
EC investigation is targeting three gas companies in Romania (Transgaz, Romgaz and OMV Petrom), but mostly natural gas transmission system operator Transgaz, because for many years it delayed the investments needed for the export of Romanian natural gas to Hungary (Arad-Szeged gas pipeline). The investigation was initiated after a complaint from Hungarian company since Hungary could not access cheaper natural gas produced in Romania, which is considered as the blocking of the movement of goods within the European Union.
Currently, Arad-Szeged gas pipeline allows only gas imports from Hungary to Romania. Transgaz has been announcing for years that the company will invest in this pipeline, thus allowing the transit of natural gas in both directions.
In early June, The EC, namely its DirectorateGeneral for Competition, conducted unannounced inspections related to the prevention of natural gas exports at three large Romanian natural gas companies: Transgaz, Romgaz and OMV Petrom, which are being suspected of creating a cartel for the purpose of blocking gas exports from Romania to other EU countries, transmits Serbia-energy.eu
