Middle Eastern natural gas could be piped to Europe within five years as the continent seeks to lessen its dependence on its main supplier, Russia and its former Soviet satellites. The planned Nabucco pipeline from Turkey to Austria was originally designed to carry Central Asian gas, bypassing Russia, but the project sponsors have been unable to secure the needed gas supply and are casting around for alternatives. Gas from the Middle East is a possible solution and would enhance the project’s strategic benefits as an insurance policy against over-dependence on Russia. The €7.9 billion (Dh29bn) pipeline, if built, would be the first to provide pipeline access for Middle Eastern gas to Europe. It would supply about 10 per cent of Europe’s gas demand. As such, it is considered crucial for reducing European dependence on Russia’s...
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