Italy: new gas deals set to double imports

A brief overview is given of Italy's gas imports which are set to double by the end of the decade. Projects which are set to increase gas imports include the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Qatar starting late 1997, the development of the Iranian South Pars gas field, the continuing import of gas from Algeria, the Trans-Med pipeline, modernisation of the Russian gas network, and combined rights with British Gas to develop the Karachaganak gas and condensate field. Expansion of gas networks, work to increase gas consumption in southern Italy, and future restructuring of the Italian gas industry are considered. (UK)