As demand grows, the European Union will likely purchase more gas from the Middle East.
From Nadim Kawach, Emirates Business 24/7:
The European Union is expected to sharply increase its gas imports from the Middle East in the coming years as its production steadily declines and domestic consumption rapidly grows, said an Arab oil analyst.
But the EU countries should take steps, including entering partnerships with gas producers in the region, to ensure long-term and secure supplies following frequent disruptions in natural gas supplies from neighbouring Russia, said Nicholas Sarkis, Director of the Paris-based Arab Petroleum Research Centre, which acts as an advisor to the 11-nation Oapec.
In a separate study, British researchers Wood Mackenzie said they expect the Middle East's gas exports to Europe to jump by more than 200 per cent between 2005 and 2010 and by 300 per cent between 2005 and 2015.
