The Natural Gas Market: from Regulation to Liberalization. The Italian Case.

Natural gas, being a widely-used energy source, is indubitably a fundamental backbone of the world economy.
In this paper, past, current and future dynamics characterizing the commodity at issue and its market of reference are thoroughly described. After providing a World perspective and European viewpoint on the subject matter, the Italian Case is examined, by means of a theoretical analysis and critical evaluation about the historical roots, the legal framework, the economic foundations and financial fundamentals of the oil & gas and utilities industries. The work then shifts the focus on the impacts of liberalization, with particular regard to the activities of distribution and sale of the Italian gas chain, on the market stakeholders.
The conclusions, illustrating the negative effects of the liberalizing regulations on final customers and small and medium-sized incumbent firms, are rather remarkable. Furthermore, the necessity to redefine the role of the Italian government as far as the energetic sector is concerned and the potentiality for a new model for the utilities industry that enhances the role of local and regional providers are presented.
This dissertation enumerates a number of respected sources in its bibliography and covers an extensive range of concepts and theories relatable to economics, law, management and strategy.