"I know what you know, but the details are less important than the main point, which is that the most important economic clause between Israel and Egypt is eroding," Minister of National Infrastructures Uzi Landau told “IDF Radio" (Galei Zahal) shortly after the latest attack on a gas pipeline in Sinai - the fourth in six months. The attack at a terminal in El-Arish again halted gas deliveries to Israel.
Landau added, "We don’t expect disruptions in electricity as we have other energy sources, although they cost more money. The price of electricity will have to rise by about 20% because of the use of fuel oil and diesel, but it's my job to guarantee electricity for the Israeli economy."
Asked if Israel can demand Egypt to better protect the gas pipelines, Landau replied, "When the upheaval in Egypt began, Israel was prepared to let Egypt send more forces to Sinai to protect the pipeline, in breach of the peace treaty, but I advise for now not to intervene because the situation in Egypt is complicated. Israel should rely on itself. The Tamar reserves can meet our needs for 25 years."
"The liquefied natural gas floating terminal should be ready in 18 months, as well as development of a small gas field, which will bridge the gap between the present and the start of gas flow from Tamar."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 12, 2011
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