Newsweek Pakistan: Total Tempted By TAPI Pipeline Project

French firm Total is working behind the scenes to take the lead on an ambitious pipeline connecting Central and South Asia, sources close to the project say, pioneering a novel gas exchange mechanism to overcome legal hurdles.

It is one of the most ambitious energy projects in the world, connecting the giant gas fields of Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India, two emerging energy-hungry markets, while crossing the rocky valleys of southern Afghanistan which are partly controlled by Taliban insurgents.

Following the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan in the late 1980s, U.S. group Unocal and Argentina’s Bridas were chomping at the bit to build major gas routes in a replay of the 19th century “Great Game” when Russia and Britain jostled for control of the strategic region. Over the past few years, rivalry has given way to the idea of regional cooperation for an 1,800-kilometer pipeline connecting Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India, or more simply TAPI.

Last year, sources close to the project had indicated U.S. giants ExxonMobil and Chevron were interested in leading the $7.5 billion project. Since then, new players have announced their interest.

“Other companies, including Total are now in the race and they are actively negotiating with Turkmenistan,” said Mobin Saulat, director of the Pakistan’s Inter State Gas System, which is charge of the Pakistani part of the pipeline. He also named the U.A.E’s Dragon Oil as a contender. Total declined to comment on the reports when contacted by AFP. MORE