OPCOM, the energy market operator in Romania, aims to promote a spot market for gas, following the model of the electricity market, said Victor Ionescu, its General Manager.

“Regarding electricity we managed to find the right way. The price of electricity in Romania is with 2 euros less than the European average and we are 7th in the ranking of the lowest rates in Europe. I would love to have the same liquidity and the same transparency for the natural gas, but here we are at the beginning and there are factors that do not want to go through the steps take for electricity,” he said, quoted by Agerpres.

“The example of the electricity market should be followed for the natural gas. Many have this intention for the natural gas, ANRE, the policy makers. Unfortunately, there are extremely powerful forces who realize that along with a real competition, with transparent transactions, their benefits will decrease drastically. It is obvious that a contract that is not transparent, that is not subject to a competitive regime, is a contract which may be beneficial for the Contracting Parties solely”, added the General Manager of OPCOM.

Victor Ionescu claims that the organization he leads will promote this trading product as soon as possible, because from the IT point of view everything is clear.

“We try together with stakeholders, including Transgaz, to promote a market for the next day. We have the computerized mechanism mathematicaly created and hope that this product will be promoted as soon as possible,” said Victor Ionescu.