“We suspect the companies agreed on the contents of the bids, as well as on the manner in which they filed these bids, so that the contracts would be granted in rotation,” said Bogdan Chiritoiu, Competition Council president.
The auctions referred to gas pipe connections and installation upgrades. The overall value of the eight contracts concluded by Transgaz and Romgaz with the 17 companies reaches some 98.8 million lei (EUR22.9 million).
The 17 companies targeted for investigation are Condmag Brasov, Inspet Ploiesti, Moldocor Piatra Neamt, TMUCB Bucuresti, Fluent Gaz Sancraiu de Mures, Rominsta Cristesti, judetul Mures, CIS Gaz Santana de Mures, TD Williamson Belgia, Habau Pps Pipeline Systems Ploiesti, Cala Targu Mures, Instaservice Targu Mures, Amarad Arad, Gascop Targu Mures, Posada MED Medias, Petrostar Ploiesti, Syscom 18 Bucuresti and Transelectric Targu Mures.
Transgaz and Romgaz are controlled by the Economy Ministry.
Should the inspections reveal foul play, the companies face fines reaching up to 10% of their turnover. (EUR1=RON4.3128)