ENI's huge Levante project

The Levante Gas Project is a proposal by ENI for the construction of a pipeline to carry gas from Port Said in Egypt to Iskenderun in Southern Turkey. This would constitute an extension of ENI's current project to supply Egyptian gas to Israel via a planned pipeline from Port Said to Haifi which is currently the subject of intense negotiations over throughput prices. Its construction involves a host of political problems and will necessitate the transit or bypass of Lebanon and Syria. The completion of the Levante Project would pave the way for an integrated gas pipeline network connecting Africa, Western Asia and Europe with the capability of serving both Gulf and Central Asian producers as well. The economic and political arguments surrounding this scenario are examined. (UK)