Cyprus hopes to have natural gas from Israel by 2015

Cyprus could have natural gas from Israel in early 2015, if discussions on the supply of small quantities are completed by the end of the year, Commmerce, Industry and Tourism Minister, Neoklis Sylikiotis said as reported by CNA. Speaking to journalists about a visit to Israel by a high ranking Cypriot delegation, he said Israel is positive in supplying Cyprus a small quantity of natural gas for electricity production, which ranges between 0.5-0.7 billion cubic metres. The purpose of the visit was to discuss the technology and import methods, he explained, adding that Israeli natural gas will be imported in the form of liquefied natural gas. ''The aim is to have natural gas the soonest possible'', he said, adding that ''if all these discussions are completed by the end of the year, then we can have natural gas in early 2015 at lower prices for 3-5 years''.