Brussels, 10/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - The idea of a “gas OPEC” being promoted notably by Russia and Iran, does not seem to have led to any concrete developments in the short term because of the differing viewpoints of the gas producing countries. Such is the main conclusion to be drawn from the sixth meeting, on 9 April in Doha (Qatar), of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GEFC), an informal body bringing together some 15 countries. Increased cooperation between member countries is developing, however, as witnessed by Monday's decision to set up a “technical committee” chaired by Russia. European Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs has said he would “follow (matters) very closely”. The EU, which wants to see gas markets liberalised, has for some months been worried by the prospect of a gas cartel.
Monday's meeting, which brought together the countries which account for some 70% of the world's gas reserves and 42% of gas production, focussed principally on GEFC performance, its development and gas prices. While it would appear that increased cooperation among its members can be taken for granted, the idea of bringing together a number of large exporters in a structured organisation able to affect prices is at odds with political differences. Russia, which has the largest gas reserves, wants to control prices by linking up with suppliers like Algeria, something which would be to the detriment of Europeans but would bring definite financial, political and diplomatic dividends to Moscow. Russia's view is backed principally by Iran and Venezuela, but found itself opposed by Egypt on Monday. The Gulf States do not hide their reservations either. “The idea of a gas OPEC is above all political. It was put forward by President Putin, whose country has definite strategic objectives,” Qatar Foreign Minister Mohammed Al-Roumaihi recently told AFP. In other words, those who oppose the idea of a gas OPEC do not share what they see as Russia's intention of wanting to control the raw materials and energy markets. In Brussels, the creation of a gas cartel is clearly of concern, with the Commission arguing incessantly for greater competition between supplier countries, which would bring gas prices down. Following Monday's meeting, Mr Piebalgs repeated that he would keep a close watch on the situation and he stressed “the importance of continuing dialogue between energy consuming, producing and transit countries aiming to ensure stability, predictability and transparency in the global energy market”. (ol)