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Gas exporters meet in Moscow

(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-23 17:02

MOSCOW -- Leading gas exporters are set to gather in Moscow Tuesday to strengthen cooperation amid consumers' concerns that they might turn into an OPEC-style cartel.

Members of the loose grouping of about a dozen gas producers from around the world known as the Gas Exporting Countries Forum are planning to sign a joint charter at the meeting. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is expected to speak at the event.

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The body has been meeting since 2001, but has no formal membership or management.

Earlier this year, Russia, Iran and Qatar, which together account for nearly a third of world natural gas exports, agreed to form a "gas troika" for joint exploration and production.

Major consumers worry the body will set output quotas, like the oil cartel OPEC, but Russian officials deny such plans.