Doha, Qatar
On a whirlwind trip to the Middle East this week, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced support for the formation of a natural gas cartel. The idea was first raised by Iran. Russia, Iran, and Qatar are the top gas exporters, together controlling nearly two-thirds of the world’s natural gas reserves. Unlike oil, which is traded in a global marketplace, natural gas is sold in fragmented markets through futures contracts, and producing countries do not work together to try to influence the markets. Putin said he would send Russian experts to a conference of gas exporters in Doha next month to discuss coordinating production. “We have to avoid the problems of other energy organizations,” he said, an apparent reference to infighting at OPEC that has limited its economic power.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
What are the Abraham Accords and why are they under threat?The Explainer The 2020 agreements would be 'undermined' if Israel annexes West Bank, UAE warns
-
Pickle-juice drinks that pack a punchThe Week Recommends Use leftover brine to make fresh lemonade and tangy margaritas
-
Codeword: September 8, 2025The Week's daily codeword puzzle
