Gas in Europe: a special report

This special report looks at the natural gas industry in various European countries in six separate articles. Increasing demand in the commercial and domestic markets for natural gas suggests that the industry in east Germany is likely to boom. The sale of shares in Hungary's gas distribution companies is seen as a success, despite some early difficulties. Foreign companies are likely to be attracted to invest in the Czech Republic's regional gas distribution companies after their privatisation this summer. Norway expects to enjoy further expansion in the gas industry following Europe wide liberalisation. Gas demand in Italy is likely to rise by fifty per cent over the next five years. Differing rates of expansion in the Netherlands and Belgian gas industries are noted. Finally, the Scandinavian power generation market is likely to increase its use of gas due to environmental imperatives and economic efficiency. (UK)