Qatar to increase oil production against OPEC qouta

Oil sources expect that Qatar's oil production will increase in 1998 in spite of the attempts of its main Gulf allies to dissuade it from raising production, as they are trying to convince Qatar to be committed to its current quota.

An oil industry observer said that the Qatari oil production is expected to reach 750,000 barrels per day next year, compared to the present production of between 665,000 to 670,000 barrel a day.

The source expected that the Qatari exports of liquid natural gas will also increase during next year as seven Japanese companies will be allowed to buy the Qatari gas within their agreement with Qatari Gas to import 2 million tons a year.