EU’s Almunia readying antitrust charges against Gazprom

EU Competition Commissioner Joaquín Almunia told the European Parliament on 23 September 2014 that he was preparing a so-called statement of objections, or a charge sheet, which sets out suspected violations of EU rules for Gazprom.

Gazprom, which is Russian state-owned, has been under regulatory fire since September 2012, for allegedly over-charging customers in Eastern Europe, blocking rival suppliers and hindering the free flow of gas across some EU countries.

The company said earlier in 2014 that it was keen to settle the case, warding off a possible fine of as much as $13.6 billion, but discussions with the European Commission have stalled over the issue of what constitutes appropriate pricing.

The energy crisis resulting from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine might further influence the outcome of this process, according to media sources.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Presenting the Annual Competition Report http://www.europeansources.info/record/speech-presenting-the-annual-competition-report/

ESO: Background information: Gazprom may unbundle to escape EU claims http://www.europeansources.info/record/gazprom-may-unbundle-to-escape-eu-claims/

Reuters UK, 23.09.14: EU's Almunia says readying antitrust charges against Gazprom http://uk.reuters.com/article/2014/09/23/uk-eu-gazprom-antitrust-idUKKCN0HI12Q20140923

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