Qatar gas to fuel UK

Liquefied gas from the largest field in the world is set to provide the UK with up to 20 per cent of its gas demand by 2009, according to Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks.

The first delivery of gas from Qatar is due at Milford Haven in 2007 in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG), which will be stored in tankers, then turned back into gas and injected into the national network when needed.

Speaking in advance of the International Energy Forum in Doha, Wicks said, "Qatar is a symbolic base for The International Energy Forum. Its gas fields will help increase the diversity of the UK's energy mix and increase our reliability of supply. This is a key issue for global energy markets amid increasing oil price volatility.

"The Forum is about forging long-term relationships, promoting greater understanding and exchanging views about the future direction of our energy policies. And with oil prices over $70, energy markets are at the top of the domestic and international agenda.