World's Energy

May 22, 2008 - Kommersant - Russia and Iran failed to agree on the charter for the Gas Exporting Countries Forum, which shelved the creation of that organization for half a year. Contrary to Iran that advocates setting up a cartel similar to OPEC, Russia suggests containing to discussion of prices and routes for the gas supplies. Most potential members are for the soft variant, the analysts say. The forum of gas exporting nations will be held in October instead of July, State Duma Vice Speaker and Russia’s Gas Association President Valery Yazev announced in Berlin when addressing the 3rd International Conference dedicated to the gas aspect of energy dialogue of Russia and the EU. “The problems of system exist that led to shifting the dates – different approaches to the charter,” the official specified. Another reason is the replacement of energy minister in Russia. “Time is needed to get on the inside,” Yazev said. Asked about the provisions in the charter that would near the organization to OPEK, Yazev pointed out that “integration is very interesting,” but on the other hand, “Russia is very scrupulous about its sovereignty and creating an integrated group implies the need to sacrifice a portion of it.” Two variants of the charter are considered today – the tougher charter and the softer one advocated by Russia. “In Iranian variant, the principles of functioning and existence of this organization are spelled out similar to OPEK, while Russia’s [variant] provides for agreeing on the prices and routes of the gas supplies in view of the current reality,” Yazev said.