Egypt Hopeful of Sourcing More LNG from Qatar Despite Political Tension

Political tension between Egypt and Qatar will not be a hurdle when it comes to securing more LNG from the Gulf state, Tarek El Molla, chairman of state-run Egyptian General Petroleum Corporation (EGPC) told news agency Reuters.

El Molla added that Algeria and Yemen could be other places from where Egypt cold source the fuel.

"Let us say they are among the biggest LNG suppliers in the world, (but) we have still possibilities with Algeria, Yemen, with other countries," he told Reuters in an interview.

Doha agreed in May to donate five cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and initial talks were held for Egypt to buy at least 13 more, the news agency said.

According to Reuters, Cairo's relations with Qatar deteriorated after the Egyptian army deposed President Mohamed Mursi on July 3. Qatar had been a firm backer of Mursi's Muslim Brotherhood and lent or gave Egypt $7.5 billion during the year he was in power.

The two parties have not negotiated over additional cargoes.

 A Qatari industry source told Reuters last month the Egyptian army must ease pressure on Brotherhood supporters before the two countries can resume talks on more fuel.

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