The Associated Press
TEHRAN, Iran - Russia, Iran and Qatar took their first serious steps toward forming an OPEC-style cartel for natural gas on Tuesday, a prospect that has unnerved energy-importing nations in Europe and the United States.
The three countries together account for 60 percent of the world's gas reserves, and Russia and Iran have both been accused of using their hold on energy supplies to bully neighboring countries. The European Union, which is heavily dependent on Russian gas, criticized the proposal, saying "energy supplies have to be sold in a free market."
A gas cartel to determine supply and influence prices could extend Russia's and Iran's reach in energy and politics, particularly if oil prices bounce back to the highs seen earlier this year - prompting politicians, businesses and consumers to look toward cleaner-burning natural gas and other alternative fuels.
Two more meetings, in Qatar's capital and in Moscow, are needed to reach a final deal, said Qatari oil official Abdulla Bin Hamad al-Attiya. No time frame was given.
Experts say a natural-gas cartel that resembles the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries group would not have the same influence on prices as OPEC has on oil.
But it could still have benefits for gas-producing countries. Such a body would allow its members to potentially wield more influence on world prices, particularly in Europe and Asia, than they can individually.
