Brussels  - The European Commission on Thursday placed Gaz de France under investigation over claims the company violated European Union competition rules by deliberately limiting the amount of gas that can be imported into France.

In a statement, the EU executive said the probe would focus on suspicious "behaviour which may prevent or reduce competition on supply markets for natural gas in France."

Officials in Brussels said EU inspections carried out on the company's premises in 2006 had raised concerns that Gaz de France had "deliberately" limited the amount of investment needed to increase gas imports from Algeria, Russia or other foreign suppliers.

"The initiation of proceedings does not imply that the commission has proof of an infringement. It only signifies that the commission will conduct an in-depth investigation of the case as a matter of priority," officials stressed.

If found guilty, Gaz de France risks a hefty fine of up to 10 per cent of its annual turnover.

There are no strict deadlines for the EU probe. (dpa)