A draft law on the deregulation of the country’s natural gas market, which would allow consumers to choose their provider, will be made available for scrutiny by legal experts from today as the government seeks to accelerate the freeing up of the energy market.

The bill will outline the institutional framework within which the deregulated market is to operate.

It is a move designed to help Greece take a step forward in deregulating its energy market in line with European Union guidelines. This particular step toward deregulation should have been already in operation at the start of July this year, according to the European Commission.

Industry sources say that a number of Europe’s largest companies in the sector, such as Gaz De France and Russia’s Gazprom, are queuing up to take part in this market that promises strong growth.

The draft bill foresees that as of 2008, large consumers and distribution companies will have the right to choose their natural gas provider.