Inspectors from DG Competition, a European Commission structure, have conducted “unannounced inspections” at premises of Transgaz, Romgaz and OMV Petrom, a press release of the EU executive announced. Inspections reason is the suspicion of anti-competitive role to prevent exports of natural gas from Romania.

“The Commission has concerns that the companies involved would have violated European antitrust law that prohibits the establishment of cartels and restrictive practices and abuse of dominant position (Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU). The Commission investigates potential anticompetitive practices in the supply and transportation of natural gas in Romania, particularly in connection with an alleged anti-competitive behavior intended to prevent exports of natural gas from Romania in other EU Member States”, states the EU executive.

The European Commission explained that the personnel sent in Romania were helped by the Competition Council, writes Agerpres. According to European regulations, the Competition Council has an obligation to support this type of action, sent its representatives.

“Competition Council attended for the first time the European Commission in the unannounced inspections at Transgaz SA, Romgaz SA and OMV Petrom SA. The Competition Council has an obligation to support this type of action, according to European regulations. The case investigates possible breaches of EU treaty provisions and is being investigated exclusively by the European Commission”, the Competition Council representatives explained through a press release.