A gas OPEC in the making?

Seeking higher prices, top gas producers have met in their first ever summit – to co-ordinate efforts on the global market.

Gas consumption across the world is growing and by some estimates it may outstrip coal and even oil in a quarter of a century.

Some believe the organisation may eventually turn into a version of OPEC – fixing prices and gaining huge wealth and much greater political and strategic influence – for gas. The countries involved say that is not their aim.

But is it only about raising prices? Or could an OPEC-style grouping of gas-producing countries eventually emerge?

Inside Story, with presenter James Bays, discusses with guests: Saadallah Al-Fathi, an energy analyst and the former head of energy studies department at OPEC; Flynt Leverett, a professor of international affairs at Pennsylvania State University; and Shadi Hamid, the director of research at the Brooking Doha Centre.