Russia assures that it will continue to supply Europe with gas despite the crisis
The presidents, prime ministers or ministers of the eleven member countries of the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries (GEPF) met in Doha, while the crisis between Moscow and Western countries contributes to a surge in prices.
REUTERS - IMAD CREIDI
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The biggest gas-exporting countries met on Tuesday in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
A summit that comes against the backdrop of the Ukrainian crisis as Europe seeks to diversify its supplies.
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With our correspondent in Dubai,
Nicolas Keraudren
Russia will continue to supply gas to Europe
.
This is one of the main commitments made by the Russian Minister of Energy during the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF*) held on Tuesday February 22 in Doha, Qatar.
Nikolai Shulguinov assured that "
Russian companies (were) fully committed to existing contracts
".
Without mentioning the Russian-Western crisis.
“
Help
”
For its part, Qatar recalled its "
help
" to Europe in the event of supply difficulties.
The Gulf emirate, which is the leading exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world, could indeed serve as an alternative source of supply.
But its exports are so far mainly intended for Asian countries.
“
The volumes that we can redirect represent around 10 to 15%
”, estimated the Qatari Minister of Energy.
However, Europe imports approximately one third of its gas from Russia.
"
Replacing this type of volume is [therefore] almost impossible
", concluded the representative of Qatar.
“
Reliable Supply
”
“
We appreciate the efforts of all (GEPF) members who have worked hard to ensure a credible and reliable supply of natural gas to the global market and to preserve the stability of these markets
,” said Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani in front of the participants.
The crisis is contributing to a surge in prices in the sector.
* FPEG
: Qatar, Russia, Iran, Bolivia, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Nigeria, Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela and seven associated countries together represent more than 70% of world reserves and 51% of world gas exports liquefied natural.
► To read also: Germany suspends the authorization of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline
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Russia
Energies
European Union
Qatar
Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani