ECONOMY

US, EU concerns over Russian entry in local gas market

American reactions and European Commission reservations are creating concerns in the government regarding the course of the privatization of Public Gas Corporation (DEPA) and of gas network operator DESFA.

Bidders have made offers that according to sources could reach up to 1.8 billion euros for the two companies, and the process is advancing fast by privatization fund TAIPED, with Russian company Gazprom among the favorites to land DEPA.

However, the reaction of Washington regarding a possible Russian entry in the local gas market has grown, with the latest intervention coming about 10 days ago, Kathimerini understands, during a visit to Athens by Richard Morningstar, the State Department’s special envoy for energy issues in Eurasia. He is said to have told government officials that the American side would not be happy with Greek gas companies coming under Russian control.

Similarly, Brussels is said to be worried about European dependence on Russian gas.

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