Gas deal with Germany looking shaky unless UOKiK pulls its finger out

The speculation follows the move by both firms to postpone the launch of its joint ventures InterTradeGas and InterTransGas from June 17 to most probably June 30. The construction of a gas connection with Germany is a strategic target for PGNiG, allowing it to enter new markets and partly diversify its sources of gas delivery to Poland. PGNiG announced recently that if the cooperation deal is not signed by June 30 the agreement will be broken off automatically. In order to achieve this both companies have to receive green light from local anti-trust authorities, which they have not received yet. VNG representatives are sure to obtain the relevant consent by June 13. The Competition and Consumer Protection Office (UOKiK), however, only began its assessment on May 5, and could take as long as two months to reach a decision. (Puls Biznesu, p. 6) A.K.