European Commission Refers Poland to ECJ Over Regulated Gas Prices

The European Commission referred Poland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) for setting gas prices for non-household end users, reads a note released on Thursday.

According to the European Commission, Poland failed to comply with the EU internal energy market rules.

"Interconnected and transparent European internal energy market plays a central role in reaching our energy and climate goals. In fact, competitive energy markets will offer citizens and businesses secure and sustainable energy supplies at lowest possible cost," said Günther Oettinger, the EU Energy Commissioner.

Under the Gas Directive (2009/73/EC) prices should primarily be determined by supply and demand.

The note reports that state-set tariffs for non-household end-users impede new gas suppliers from entering the gas marke. At the same time, regulated prices do not allow Polish consumers to reap the full benefits that the internal market can offer.