Russia, Qatar discuss creation of OPEC-style natural gas cartel

[Dover]

Russia, Qatar discuss creation of OPEC-style natural gas cartel

DOHA, Qatar – Leaders of natural gas-rich Russia and Qatar announced Monday they would explore the creation of a natural gas cartel to represent the interests of producer countries to influence the global market.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Qatari Emir Sheik Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani told reporters here that they wanted more cooperation among competing gas producers in their dealings with natural gas-consuming countries.

“We do not reject the idea of creating a gas cartel,” Putin said. “But this initiative requires more study.”
European Union leaders have said they would stand against any effort by Russia to create such a cartel, fearing gas prices – and Russia's political clout – could rise dramatically as a result. Europe imports a quarter of its gas from Russia.

Putin said he would send a team of experts to a natural gas conference being held in Doha in April, where they would discuss details of building a cartel resembling the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. Qatar is an OPEC member but Russia is not. ...cont'd

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/business/20070212-0913-qatar-russia-cartel.html

[regnaD kciN]

1. Great...

A cartel for a vital natural resource that we wouldn't dare bomb or invade!