The Ministry of Finance is softening its stance in the talks between the State and Noble Energy Inc. (NYSE: NBL) and its Israeli partners in the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields regarding the breakup of the gas monopoly. According to the new policy outline that is emerging, the basic principle of breaking up the monopoly remains unchanged, and the ministries are insisting that there be competition between Leviathan and Tamar - at present Noble Energy and Delek Group Ltd. (TASE: DLEKG) together own majority stakes in both fields. However, two clauses in the policy of the ministries of finance and infrastructure, energy and water resources have changed. RELATED ARTICLES Shell acquisition of BG jeopardizes Leviathan deal Israel's gas sector counts the cost and waits Noble Energy, Delek to lay off dozens in Israel Delek delays London offering Gilo postpones Israel gas monopoly decision until April In the arrangements outline for restructuring the natural gas sector presented in February, the Ministry of Finance wanted to dilute Noble Energy's stake in Tamar from 36% to 10%. The ministry is now expected to relinquish this demand, realizing that Noble Energy will anyway remain the well operator. In addition, the ministry of finance and Israel Antitrust Authority chief David Gilo wanted Delek Group, controlled by Yitzhak Tshuva, and Noble Energy to compete with each other in selling Leviathan gas - in other words to sell their gas separately. The ministry of finance will also reportedly forego this demand. Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on April 16, 2015 © Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2015
