Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has said that the Blue Stream II Pipeline is unlikely to extend into Israel.
The planned pipeline, intended to link Russia and Turkey via the Black Sea, will transport Russian gas to the Middle East. While it was originally planned to include Israel in the project, Mr Putin has said that Israel has discovered its own gas deposits and is now unlikely to require Russian gas.
“Blue Steam II most likely will not be extended to Israel for purely financial reasons,” said Mr Putin.
Mr Putin’s comments were echoed by Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
US energy firm Noble Energy recently made a large exploration discovery at the Tamar Gas Field, offshore Israel, with gross mean resources estimated at 6.4 Tcf. First production is scheduled for 2012.
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