Concern Lurks Behind Official Indifference to Shale Gas

摘要

Global LNG giant Qatar this week loudly downplayed the potential challenge to its gas business posed by US shale gas and the string of gas strikes in East Africa. These new frontiers have undeniably brought big new gas supplies, acknowledged Qatari Energy Minister Mohammed al-Sada, but serious challenges must be overcome before any of these molecules hit the international market, let alone challenge Qatar's market share. The minister may be protesting too much, though: Beneath the indifferent official stance, concern is growing in Doha that Qatar may be too disengaged from these new gas areas - and risks being left behind.