71.   Analysts said that the plan had not removed potential liabilities arising from contracts to buy gas at high prices.

72.   But the government continues to buy gas to keep factories open, even though it has not been able to recover energy costs from consumers.

73.   Dubai, the second biggest and wealthiest member of the UAE, currently receives its gas supplies from nearby Sharjah but is planning to buy gas from Abu Dhabi.

74.   This is the first time Thailand has bought overseas gas.

75.   Israel last month signed a letter of intent with Enron to buy Qatari gas, and Doha has struck a similar deal with the same US company.

76.   The Pakistan government will buy gas at the point of delivery and make arrangements for its transmission and sale.