Gas powers discuss cartel, but soothe consumer fears

DOHA (Reuters) – Leading gas powers discussed on Monday the idea of transforming their benign grouping into an
OPEC-style cartel, but sought to reassure consumer nations that it was business as usual for now.

Host nation Qatar, home to the world’s third largest gas reserves, rejected the idea of a cartel and insisted the Gas Exporting Countries Forum would work to keep producers and consumers happy.


“I hate the word cartel,” Qatari Energy Minister Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah told reporters as he went into the gas group’s first ministerial meeting in two years.

He said the scheme would be discussed, saying the forum had an open agenda, but he emphasized cooperation between producers and consumers.

Reuters