Gas market up to €6 bln in 2007

He added that gas consumption declined last year by 1 billion cubic meters, down to 16.4 bln cubic meters, due to a milder winter and an attempt by Romanians to spend less by using less natural gas.

Of the domestic production, 11.6 bln cubic meters were consumed, while a further 4.8 bln cubic meters were imported, Sirbu said.

In 2006, gas consumption amounted to 17.3 bln cubic meters.

Romania’s largest company, Petrom, controlled by Austrian group OMV, last year produced 33 percent of the national gas consumed, while state-owned producer Romgaz provided some 36 percent. Other companies, both local and international, covered remaining supplies.

Russia’s state-owned gas giant Gazprom supplied, through its Gazexport subsidiary, some 0.2 bln cubic meters, while German supplier Wintershall delivered 3.8 bln cubic meters to Romania.

On the regulated sales market, suppliers Distrigaz Sud and E.ON Gaz together covered 92 percent of the market. There are 36 traders operating on this market.
“In 2008, we expect gas consumption to be slightly higher than in 2007, but growth will not be spectacular,” Sirbu added.