Energy ministers from the Gas Exporting Countries Forum met in Doha and reviewed the five years of the organization as well as future
policy. The ministers discussed a study on the feasibility of a gas cartel,
but no decisions were announced.
"In the long term, we are moving towards a gas OPEC," Algerian Energy
Minister Chakib Khelil said. "It will take a long time."
"We have heard from ministers that a move in this direction is desired,"
Iranian Oil Minister Kazem Hamaneh said. "We don't know how much time it
will take us to achieve this."
Officials said the meeting discussed the gas market as well as political
conditions that influence prices. This was the sixth meeting of the
organization since 2001.
The organization includes Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Libya, Oman, Russia,
Venezuela and the United Arab Emirates. Officials said a feasibility study
on a gas cartel would be completed and presented in 2008.