Removing the government from European gas. P. Heren. Energy Policy, January 1999, 27(1), 3--8.

It is considered that the continued presence of governments at an operational level is currently an obstacle to the successful development of the natural gas industries in a number of key markets. It has been shown by British experience over the past 10-years that privatization and the determined introduction of competition results in greater flexibility and efficiency in energy supply, as well as significantly lower prices. Also for the first time outside North America a genuine gas price index has been produced. It is postulated that governments, even those undecided about competition should stand aside and let the market do its work. 4 refs.