Iran, Algeria to discuss OPEC-style gas group

TEHRAN (Reuters) – Iran and Algeria are expected to discuss the formation of an OPEC-style gas group during a visit by Algerian president Abdelaziz Bouteflika to Tehran, Iran’s ambassador to Algeria said in remarks published on Sunday.

The two energy producers would also discuss broadening economic cooperation, Iran’s Ambassador to Algeria Hussein Abdi Abyanah was quoted as saying by state-run newspaper Iran.


Bouteflika and five government ministers were due to arrive in the capital of the world’s fourth-largest oil producer on Sunday for a three-day visit.

It was unclear if Algeria’s Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil, also president of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), would accompany Bouteflika on the visit.

Iran wants to turn the previously toothless Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) into a more formal organization akin to the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the 13-member grouping which makes output decisions that can sway global oil prices.

Reuters