Methodologies for Establishing National and Cross-Border Systems of Pricing of Access to the Gas System in Europe
Prepared for the European Commission
This study applies the general principles embodied in the Gas Directive (98/30/EC) to produce recommendations concerning price and non-price terms for natural gas transportation services. The study focuses on the implications of price and non-price terms for the development of cross-border trade and a single, unified European gas market. Our interpretation of the Directive emphasises the principle of nondiscrimination, the goal of establishing a competitive natural gas market, and the promotion of interconnection and interoperability. The study’s recommendations are designed to ensure effective and complete implementation of the Directive, in order to secure in full the potential benefits of liberalisation, which include lower prices for consumers, greater efficiency of system usage and development, and more efficient upstream investment.
