Global gas exporters form expert panel

The world's top gas exporters have formed an expert committee headed by the largest producer, Russia, to examine all issues relating to the gas sector at a meeting of the 16-member Gas Exporting Countries Forum held in Doha, Qatar, on Monday.

The panel is likely to review issues such as pricing, marketing, infrastructure and problems affecting producers and consumers.

South American nations such as Argentina, Bolivia, and Venezuela have already formed a separate group to help regulate gas exports and formulate the natural gas policy.

The meeting was marked by intense speculation that gas exporters may agree to form an OPEC-like gas cartel, with major exporters such as Russia, Qatar, and Iran supporting the move.

However, Qatar Minister of Energy and Industry Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah refuted talk that a cartel is being formed and said, "I hate the word cartel. We are not forming a cartel. At best, this is a group, or club of gas producers. We have a lot of issues to discuss in the overall interest of the industry."

Global experts and Indian analysts are largely opposed to the formation of such a cartel, and they also questioned its effectiveness.

Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which was formed in 2001, includes major gas producers like Russia, Iran, Qatar, Venezuela, and Algeria. Bolivia became its 16th member, after it formally joined the group at the meeting.