Press Release: Antitrust: Commission opens Belgian gas market to competition

Commitments offered by Distrigas to open the Belgian gas market have been made legally binding by a formal decision adopted by the European Commission. The commitments address concerns raised by the Commission in the course of an investigation under EC Treaty rules prohibiting the abuse of a dominant market position (Article 82). The Commission had concerns about supply problems on the Belgian gas market through long-term contracts concluded by Distrigas with gas customers. Under the commitments, Distrigas would reduce the gas volumes tied in long-term contracts. This would allow other gas suppliers to compete with Distrigas to build up a portfolio of customers, and thereby encourage competition on the Belgian gas market. In the light of the commitments offered by Distrigas, the Commission has now closed its investigation.

European Commission: MEMO/07/407: Antitrust: Commission increases competition in the Belgian gas market – frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/07/407&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

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