Bloomberg: Jordan Halts Talks on $15 Billion Deal for Israeli Gas

Jordan suspended talks to import natural gas from Israel from Noble (NBL:US) Energy Inc. and will sign an agreement with BG Group Plc to buy Gaza Strip gas.

The kingdom halted negotiations “recently” after Israeli authorities said they may move to prevent a regional “monopoly” for Noble, according to Jamal Qammouh, head of Jordan’s Lower House energy committee. Israel’s antitrust regulator is reconsidering a decision to let a group led by Noble develop the country’s two biggest natural gas fields. Inbar Dovev, a spokeswoman for the company, declined to comment by phone today.

“We were informed that there are differences between Israel and Noble Energy and we cannot proceed with talks until we know which side will develop the gas field in Israel,” Qammouh said in a phone interview from Amman.
MORE