OREANDA-NEWS. May 12, 2012. The Office of the Federal Antimonopoly Service in the Penza Region (Penza OFAS Russia) found that the company violated the antimonopoly law by refusing to supply gas to boiler-houses because of an outstanding debt. Penza Regional Arbitration Court pronounced legitimacy of the decision and determination of Penza OFAS regarding “Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. and an order issued by OFAS to impose a 650,000 Rubles fine, reported the press-centre of FAS Russia.    

“Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. restricted and terminated gas supplies to several boiler-houses of “Energotsentr” Ltd. due to the payment arrears for the supplied gas. “Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. violated the procedures for terminating (restricting) gas supply, established by No.1 Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 5th January 1998. It prevented economic activities of the energy supplier.

The Commission of Penza OFAS Russia found that “Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. violated Part 1 Article 10 of the Federal Law “On Protection of Competition” and issued a determination to preventing violations of the antimonopoly law.

Under Part 1 Article 14.31 of the Code of the Russian Federation on Administrative Violations, Penza OFAS Russia fined “Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. 650,000 Rubles.

“Gazprom Mezhregiongaz Penza” Ltd. filed a lawsuit challenging the decision of a regional antimonopoly body. However, Penza Regional Arbitration Court pronounced the rightness of Penza OFAS Russia and dismissed the company’s claim.

“This antimonopoly case is of social importance. Restricting and terminating gas supplies to the boiler-houses of “Energotsentr” Ltd. not only infringed the interests of “Energotsentr” Ltd. but also the interests of consumers – members of general public as a result of restricting and stopping supply of heating energy for hot water supply in apartment blocks located in Penza”, described the situation the Head of Penza OFAS Russia, Maksim Beloborodov.