RasGas CEO: Replacing Coal with Natural Gas Will Provide Long-term Benefits to Environment

Doha, December 14 (QNA) -At the 12th International Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition in New Delhi, India, RasGas Company Limiteds (RasGas) Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hamad Mubarak Al Muhannadi, highlighted liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner alternative to coal that would result in both immediate and long-term benefits for public health and the environment. Speaking during a panel session titled "Natural Gas: Road Towards Cleaner and Prosperous Future", Al Muhannadi said, "Those native to New Delhi are aware of the impact of coal and diesel particulates in the air, and while it is true that coal is cheap, the price paid in terms of pollution and health is unacceptable." Al Muhannadi welcomed the Indian governments recognition that gas needs to grow in India and underlined the suitability of LNG, "which is affordable, efficient and environmentally sustainable" for what is considered the world's fastest growing economy. "In 2016, India will become the second largest buyer of spot and short-term LNG cargoes in addition to being the world's fourth largest importer overall," he continued. "This is the result of a clear choice by both the consumers and the government of India." RasGas has a strong and established history of supporting gas growth within India, with the Qatari LNG company first signing a joint LNG Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Petronet in 1999 for the delivery of 7.5 million tons per annum over 25 years, and then the largest SPA ever signed. Since then, RasGas presence in India has extended beyond its relationship with Petronet to include Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL), Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC), and Reliance. While it takes a mere three days to ship LNG from Qatar to India's west coast, geographic proximity aside, Al Muhannadi cited the long-established relationship between Qatar and India, and RasGas ability to provide customers with a reliable, available and flexible supply, as key factors in the companys capacity to successfully meet its customers' expectations. "RasGas is proud to support Indias transformation into a land powered by clean, reliable, gas-based energy," he concluded.(QNA)