The exit of Gulf Keystone Petroleum from the Hassi Ba Hamou gas project has been approved by Algerias council of ministers which will allow BG Group and state-owned Sonatrach to increase their stake in the project.

Oman is planning to explore shale gas in concession areas of Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), according to Khalifa Mubarak Al Hinai, advisor at the Ministry of Oil and Gas.

GDF Suez expects its gas production to drop around eight per cent next year, from 60 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2011 to 55 million boe in 2012 and 2013.

Qatargas and GE Oil and Gas signed a sales and purchase contract for advanced combustion technology that will reduce gas turbine emissions at the Qatargas 1 utility complex to meet new regulations from the Qatari Ministry of Environment.