Gas Monitor: Developments in the Wholesale Gas Market in the Netherlands in 2006

The present situation in the wholesale gas market calls for measures aimed at enhancing competition. Our annual monitoring report into the functioning of the gas market identifies a number of serious problems that impede competition in the wholesale market. Market parties have indicated a lack of available import capacity, storage capacity and quality conversion capacity, though facilities are not always optimally utilised. The report’s findings confirm the necessity of the action plan which was presented by the NMa/ DTe to the Minister of Economic Affairs in early October this year. Improvement is required for the rules of play and the level of transparency in the gas market. It is also necessary to pursue further integration into North-West Europe.