A gel-forming composition for reducing the permeability of a subterranean
formation or zone comprising a water soluble polymer (e.g.,
Alcoflood.RTM. 935) and a polyelectrolyte gelling agent comprising a
polycation (e.g., polyalkylene imine) and a polyanion (e.g., dextran
sulfate) is provided. The gel-forming composition is used to delay
gelation in the subterranean formation.