Khelil: European demand potential remains "huge"

ALGERIAN energy minister Chakib Khelil has dismissed concerns that weaker European gas demand could cause long-term difficulties for the continent's main suppliers. The potential for demand for gas in Europe in particular is huge," he told Petroleum Economist in an exclusive interview during last month's World Gas Conference in Buenos Aires. "There is room for everybody." That includes the speculative trans-Sahara gas pipeline (TSGP), which would stretch almost 4,500 km from Nigeria to Europe, through Algeria. Despite Europe's weakening gas demand, TSGP remains on track for start-up in 2015, said Khelil, adding that its gas would be "more competitive than other sources". And he criticised th