Qatar Could Profit From Europe Gas Fears Over Ukraine

Europe's fears of losing Russian Gas supplies in the Ukraine Crisis will loom large, when Qatar's Emir meets the Biden on Monday, but the powerful Gulf Ruler has no "magic wand", analysts say.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, will ensure some kind of Assistance, however, as he seeks a Bigger share of the European Market for Qatar's burgeoning Offshore Gas production, and to score valuable points over its Neighbours, in becoming the Key U.S. ally in the Gulf.

The Sheikh, whose Tiny Country has Increased its Diplomatic Initiatives to match its Status as an Energy Colossus, has on the Agenda for his White House Meeting:

- The Ukraine Crisis.

- Efforts to engage the Hardline Taliban Administration in Afghanistan.

- Backroom Talks on Reviving a Nuclear Accord with Iran.

Europe fears its Gas Supplies could be Cut, if Russia takes Military Action in Ukraine, prompting the U.S. to Open Contacts with other Key Suppliers, notably Qatar.

The U.S. is also in contact with Australia about providing Alternative Supplies, and could send more of its own Production.

Currently, Australia, Qatar, and the U.S. are the World's biggest Gas Exporters.

"Talks are going on" over diverting some Liquefied Natural Gas from Asian Markets to Europe, if President Vladimir Putin cuts Supplies to Western Europe, a Qatari Official said ahead of the Meeting.

There are precedents for Qatar Helping friends in need. It sent Supplies to Japan, after the 2011 Tsunami, and Four Special cargoes to Britain in October, to address sudden Shortages.

But as Qatar has Long-Term Contracts with huge Customers in South Korea, Japan and China, there is little it could do to replace All Russian Gas supplies to Western Europe.

The Gulf State has "maxed out" Supplying existing Customers, Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi, said in October, when Gas Shortages were already starting to bite in Europe.

I am worried about the Russia/Germany NORD Stream 2 Pipeline. While Russia is still stalled by German Laws, the Majority Owner of the Pipline must be an Approved German Business or Citizen. While this is in the Courts, Russia has filled the Pipline with Gas.










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