A provider of natural gas has filed a civil complaint against Essar Steel Minnesota LLC, seeking payment for natural gas even though the steelmaker has not yet begun production.

Great Lakes Gas Transmission Ltd. Partnership, Troy, Mich., filed the complaint in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota accusing Essar Steel Minnesota—as well as Essar Steel Holdings Ltd.; Essar Steel Ltd.; and Essar Global Ltd.—of breach of a natural gas supply contract. It seeks payment of $190,190 per month beginning Aug. 17 as well as interest, costs, attorney fees and other recompense to be determined by the court.

Attempts to reach representatives of Essar Steel Minnesota and Great Lakes Gas...