Gazprom to begin trading gas in France

Nov. 17, 2005
OAO Gazprom of Russia reported that it had obtained authorization to trade natural gas on France's liberalized gas market starting in early 2006.

Doris Leblond
OGJ Correspondent

PARIS, Nov. 17 -- OAO Gazprom of Russia reported that it had obtained authorization to trade natural gas on France's liberalized gas market starting in early 2006.

Gazprom stated it is targeting 10% of the French market, which is now opened to 73% of France's gas end-users. In July 2007, the market will be fully opened. Gazprom will target sales to large industrial and regional customers.

In comparison, Total SA is targeting only industrial and commercial clients but not private ones. The French firm, which currently holds 10% of the market, aims to capture 15% in the medium term.

The only stipulation for Gazprom's client base is that it cannot take clients directly from Gaz de France. GDF currently holds 80% of France's gas market.