New “Gas OPEC” is almost created
9 April 2007There will be no “Gas OPEC” in the nearest future. But the exporters will start to discuss the price policy and, probably, to coordinate it in the nearest future. At a Doha forum leading suppliers of natural gas have decided to create of a high level group on pricing. Gas exporters have agreed on cooperation, but have avoided charges from the states-consumers in cartel arrangement and pressure upon the market.
A forum of the countries - exporters of gas is being held in Qatar now. The main item on the agenda relies in debugging of the mechanism of interaction of leading suppliers of natural gas.
The western experts are still talking about the potential threat of “Gas OPEC”. But the participants of forum disagree concerning the necessity of new gas cartel. Now the countries-exporters have made a decision on creation of group of a high level on pricing. Russia is expected to act as its major coordinator.
The group, which will be created from competent representatives of the countries - exporters of gas, should analyze the work Qatar forum and prepare themes for the future discussion, and also to represent offers concerning the creation of secretary.
Meetings of group will be held no less than 6 times a year. Its personal structure is not certain yet. It has been also decided that the group should consist of officials a rank not below the assistants to the ministers or directors of departments.
The western observers are afraid of creation of gas cartel. In opinion of fuel consumers, the exporters will receive additional levers for pressure upon the countries depending on import. Signing of cartel agreement would give additional arguments to the critics of cartel’s policy.
Iran and Venezuela act as the basic supporters of new “Gas OPEC”.
Nevertheless, neither Iran, nor Venezuela cannot be named leading exporters of gas though these countries have scale stocks, which are intended gradually to be developed. Iran now imports more fuel than, exports it, and Venezuela does not sell gas abroad at all.
Venezuela’s neighbors- Argentina and Bolivia- have supported the initiative of new cartel.
At the same time many participants of forum speak against “Gas OPEC”. Egyptian Minister of oil considers that the world is not ready for such gas organization.
Some ministers consider the creation of “Gas OPEC” inexpedient as the countries - manufacturers of gas carry out deliveries in different regions and establish the prices under long-term contracts on the basis of market quotations of oil.
- If the prices for oil fall, OPEC will take new emergency measures
- Total wants new ОPEC
- Russia and Iran are to form new Gas OPEC
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