DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Russian and Iranian representatives are vying to become the first secretary-general of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum at their ninth regular summit in Doha.
Representatives from the 15 members of the GECF met in Doha to nominate a secretary-general. Russia and Iran are seen as the top contenders, with Qatar mounting a strong candidacy, the Tehran Times reports.
Energy officials from 15 major gas-producing nations met in Moscow in 2008 to develop a charter for the Gas Exporting Countries Forum and to formalize the institution.
The GECF was established to strengthen coordination among gas-producing states in a similar structure to its oil counterpart, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah, the Qatari oil minister, said last week the gas cartel would try to find a way to stabilize gas prices.
Chakib Khelil, the Algerian energy minister, meanwhile, added that GECF members could increase profits through a series of gas swap deals rather than raising the price of gas.
Pricing objectives for gas are more difficult to achieve than oil because of long-term contracts.
The GECF members are also expected to discuss natural gas as a clean-energy option as international delegates discuss climate change at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.
