You're reading: EU antitrust authorities investigate Gazprom

LONDON — The European Commission says it is investigating Russia's Gazprom over whether it blocked fair competition in the gas markets of Central and Eastern Europe. 

In a statement issued Tuesday, the Commission says it “has concerns that Gazprom may be abusing its dominant market position in upstream gas supply markets.”

It says Gazprom may have divided the gas markets in several countries by preventing the free flow of gas and attempted to stop some countries from diversifying their supplies. It also says Gazprom may have charged some countries unfair prices.

There is no legal deadline to such investigations, which can take months to complete.