The case for GCC natural gas integration
The emergence of an East Mediterranean gas hub begs the question of why the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has not promoted an integrated gas grid.
![A picture shows the Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar's principal site for production of liquefied natural gas and gas-to-liquid, administrated by Qatar Petroleum, some 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the capital Doha, on February 6, 2017. - The head of energy giant Qatar Petroleum has shrugged off fears that any potential protectionist policies pursued by US President Donald Trump would impact on global oil and gas markets. Saad Al-Kaabi -- who heads state-owned QP, the largest exporter of Liquid Natural](/sites/default/files/styles/article_hero_medium/public/2023-08/GettyImages-634024292.jpg?h=827d3341&itok=u7NCSZqS)
To:
Al-Monitor Pro Members
From:
Kate Dourian
Non-resident fellow at the Arab Gulf States Institute
Date:
Aug. 24, 2023
Bottom Line:
The emergence of an East Mediterranean gas hub begs the question of why the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has not promoted an integrated gas grid. The GCC states sit on over 20% of global gas reserves yet all but two of its six members are net importers and thereby exposed to price volatility and supply disruptions. A common gas market would enhance energy security through optimal use of available reserves and infrastructure.