Gazprom Files Proposals to EU Aimed at Ending Antitrust Case

Russia's Gazprom said on Tuesday it had filed proposals with the European Commission aimed at resolving a five-year EU case over the Russian gas giant's alleged monopoly practices.

 

The Russian state gas exporter, which supplies a third of the EU's gas, has been on the European Commission's radar since 2012, culminating in charges last year that it overcharged customers in eastern and central Europe and blocked rivals .

 

Since then, Gazprom has offered concessions aimed at staving off a potential fine of up to 10 percent of its global turnover.

 

Gazprom deputy head Alexander Medvedev said in an emailed statement that the firm was ready to take into account Europe's criticism "where it is substantiated and possible". The gas giant added it hoped for resolution in the near future.

 

Gazprom didn't elaborate on details of its proposals, saying that "they are likely to help to reach progress over the case".

 

The firm said in October that it was going "to work out a mutually acceptable decision" with the European Commission.


(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by Denis Pinchuk; Editing by Adrian Croft)