Romanian Economy Minister Adriean Videanu Thursday said it is encouraging state-run gas producer Romgaz Medias to start generating electricity, news agency Mediafax reports.

"I want to encourage Romgaz to start making electricity, the same as Petrom, to invest together with partners," Videanu told a seminar organized by business paper Ziarul Financiar.

Romania 's largest oil company OMV Petrom (SNP.RO), controlled by Austria 's OMV AG (OMV.VI), has entered the power generation sector.

Romgaz , Romania 's largest gas producer, announced two years ago its intention to enter the electricity production market, but a move is still pending.

Videanu also said he has asked Romgaz to explore opportunities to import gas from European markets.

"I have already instructed Romgaz to go on the European spot markets to see what deals can be concluded so that we can partly bring gas from European trades," Videanu said.

Romania imports less than one third of the gas it needs from Russia , but at double the price of locally produced gas.

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