EU opens investigation into free flow of gas sold by Qatar

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Commission on Thursday said it had opened an investigation into the free flow of gas sold by Qatar Petroleum in Europe.

The investigation will focus on whether agreements on the sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to European companies have restricted the free flow of gas in the European Economic Area.

"Such clauses may harm competition and prevent consumers from enjoying the benefits of an integrated European energy market," EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.

(Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek)