GDF, Ruhrgaz to acquire stakes in Romanian gas distribution firms
Doris Leblond
OGJ correspondent
PARIS, Aug. 25 -- Gaz de France and Germany's Ruhrgaz AG have been selected by Romanian officials to take part in the privatization of that country's two natural gas distribution companies.
GDF has been chosen as "preferred candidate" to acquire a 51% stake in SC Distrigaz Sud SA, while Germany's Ruhrgaz, a subsiduary of E.On AG, has been chosen to acquire a 51% stake in SC Distrigaz Nord SA.
Distrigaz Sud operates a 13,400 km gas pipeline grid in southern Romania with gas sales of about 5.6 billion cu m (bcm)/year. Romania uses gas to cover more than 40% of its primary energy demand.
Total sales of gas in Romania totaled 18 bcm/year, of which three-quarters are produced domestically. Since 1976, Romania is a growing importer of gas.
Distrigaz Sud will bolster GDF's strategic position in eastern Europe. Romania currently is at the crossroads of current and future gas imports towards Europe, Central Asia, and even the Middle East.
GDF has already taken positions in Hungary where it holds a 99% stake in eastern Hungarian gas distributor Egaz and southern Hungarian gas supplier Degaz.
GDF also has shown interest in the sale of 25% of the Hungarian firm MOL Rt.'s transportation network and storage and trading divisions.