EC warns EU gas companies

The European Commission has warned Russian and Ukrainian gas companies of legal action over a dispute, which has left many Europeans without heat.



Supplies remain cut off because of a payment row between Russia and Ukraine.



Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso said he would advise EU energy companies to sue unless Gazprom and Naftogaz move fast to restore supplies.



Mr. Barroso has described the dispute between the Ukraine and Russia as unacceptable and incredible.



He said if agreements, sponsored by the European Union, are not observed as a matter of urgency he will advise energy companies that have deals with Gazprom and Naftogaz, to file lawsuits against them.