Qatar takes a swipe at Riyadh on leaving Opec
The producer, the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter, says it has reviewed ways to enhance its role and plan long-term strategy
Doha — Qatar announced on Monday it was quitting the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) from January to focus on its gas ambitions, taking a swipe at the group’s de facto leader, Saudi Arabia. The move also dealt a blow to efforts to show unity before this week’s meeting of exporters seeking to tackle an oil-price slide. Doha, one of Opec’s smallest oil producers but the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas (LNG) exporter, is embroiled in a protracted diplomatic row with Saudi Arabia and some other Arab states. Qatar said its surprise decision was not driven by politics. But in an apparent swipe at Riyadh, energy affairs minister Saad al-Kaabi said: “We are not saying we are going to get out of the oil business but it is controlled by an organisation managed by a country.” He did not name the nation. Al-Kaabi told reporters Doha’s decision “was communicated to Opec”, but said Qatar would attend the group’s meeting on Thursday and Friday in Vienna and abide by its ...
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