ALGIERS, Nov 12 (KUNA) -- Algerian Energy minister Chakib Khelil announced on Thursday that his country stopped exportation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the US.
On the sidlines of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika's visit to the Setif province, Khelil held a press conference on Thursday in which he announced that his country is no longer exporting LNG to the United States of America.
Minister Khelil refused to expand on the casues of the suspension.
Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) members have reached agreement on a strategy to decide a fair price for gas, he added.
In addition, Khelil said that the strategy comes in favor of the increase of offer in comparison to the demand in the market, which resulted in the decrease of price of gas.
Algeria is working on a new project that transfers gas to Italy through Sardinia, in addtion to the current line that exports around 7 billion squared meter, to Italy. In addition to another project, Khelil added, will transfer through Africa's Sahel desert. Another two station will take place west, and east of the country, that will produce 4 billion LNG, he added.
Such projects will increase the Algerian Gas import-export around 50 percent by year 2012.(end) ft.mao KUNA 121646 Nov 09NNNN