Qatar Petroleum is unlikely to face further antitrust action three years after EU regulators opened an investigation into its 20-year gas contracts, according to sources.
In 2018, the state-owned QatarEnergy was caught in the EU antitrust crosshairs as the European Commission began an investigation into whether its liquefied natural gas supply deals with European utilities prohibited them from diverting shipments within the region.
The move came after the EU competition enforcer stopped a seven-year market abuse investigation into Gazprom, accepting a promise from the Russian gas giant to reform its pricing structure and grant control to rivals in eastern Europe.
According to sources, the Commission is unlikely to take further action against QatarEnergy.
The EU's executive said it had conducted extensive fact-finding into the case and that the investigation is ongoing.
"We cannot prejudice its timing or outcome," a spokesperson said.
In response to concerns about Russian supply, the European Union is talking with Qatar, the United States, and other suppliers about increasing gas deliveries to Europe.
According to sources, the EU antitrust proceeding has no relation to the ongoing gas issue.
Qatar, however, sees it differently. Last month, it asked for the EU investigation to be dropped in order for them to supply emergency gas.
Source: National News Agency