The Estonian parliament passed a revised law requiring the national energy firm Eesti Gaas, whose core shareholder is Russian gas monopoly Gazprom, to sell its gas distribution network to boost competition, the parliament’s press office reported on Wednesday.
The law on natural gas aims to bring Estonian legislation in line with Europe’s third energy package, which requires the separation of energy production, transportation and sales.
The Estonian ruling parties, and also the European Commission believe the separation of the gas distribution network will help establish a fair gas price and ensure free competition on the gas market.
The Third Energy Package particularly affects the operations of Russian gas export monopoly Gazprom, which produces and sells gas and owns transportation facilities.