Reuters: Israel's Delek Confident of Quick Sale of Tanin, Karish Gas Fields

The owners of the Karish and Tanin natural gas fields off Israel said they are confident of meeting a disposal timeframe proposed by the government to break up what it sees as a monopolistic partnership in the eastern Mediterranean.

The undeveloped fields together hold about 3 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas but their development has been at a standstill since a regulator in December deemed a partnership between Delek Group and Noble Energy a monopoly.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been pushing to ratify a disposal deal quickly so exploration can resume.

Under a roadmap put forward by the government, Noble and Delek will have 14 months to find a buyer for Tanin and Karish, which analysts say could together be worth $1.5 billion. MORE