The possibility of a new GCC gas grid is again being raised: “we are talking to the GCC, especially Saudi Arabia,” says Bahrain Oil Minister Sheikh Muhammad Al Khalifa. Arguably Saudi Arabia is the only member for whom such a connection would be a priority. While GCC countries are increasingly turning to imports, most are already progressing with contingency plans.

There is of course already an international gas connection within the GCC. Qatar supplies the UAE and Oman with some 2bn cfd through the Dolphin pipeline. But, with the Qatar embargo hitting its three-year anniversary next month, no expansion here is viable for the foreseeable future. (CONTINUED - 588 WORDS)