Prospecting for, striking and producing natural gas is only the first step in the natural gas chain. The product must also be brought to the market.

The Gasunie is responsible for the sales and distribution of gas extracted by the NAM. Fifty percent of the Gasunie is owned by the Dutch government, 25 percent by ExxonMobil and 25 percent by Shell. The Gasunie purchases the gas and then transports it through a network of pipelines to domestic and foreign clients.

Approximately half of the entire Dutch gas production is destined for the Belgian, French, German and Italian markets.

The demand for natural gas in Europe continues to increase by a few percent each year. In recent years the European energy market has also undergone structural changes. As in many other sectors, a process of liberalization is underway that has helped the Gasunie to separate the organization of its commercial and transport activities.

The gas market remains in motion. ExxonMobil is currently consulting with its co-shareholders in the Gasunie on a new setup for gas marketing activities in the Netherlands.

The future of the natural gas market is certainly looking healthy. The demand for this relatively environmentally friendly fuel will continue to increase to continue meeting the growing demand for energy. As the largest natural gas supplier in Europe, ExxonMobil is determined to maintain its leading position in the production and marketing of natural gas.