Sarawak, Petronas and Petros wrapping up gas talks soon

In a joint statement released by the Premier of Sarawak’s Office, they said Petronas was not mulling over legal action against the state government and Petros.

(NST) – Talks between the Sarawak government, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) on the distribution of gas in the state will be concluded soon.

In a joint statement released by the Premier of Sarawak’s Office, they said Petronas was not mulling over legal action against the state government and Petros.

“All parties respect and abide by federal and state laws regarding the distribution of gas,” they said.

The joint statement was issued after a high-level meeting attended by Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, Petronas president and group chief executive officer Datuk Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz, State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuli and Petros CEO Datuk Janin Giri.

Earlier this month, Abang Johari said discussions with Petronas regarding the distribution and supervision of oil and gas (O&G) trading in the state were ongoing.

He had said the deadline for the discussions was Oct 1.

Abang Johari also said he was unaware that Petronas was contemplating legal action against the state government and Petros.

He gave an assurance that long-term contracts on liquefied natural gas (LNG), with partners like South Korea and Japan would not be affected, even as Petros becomes the sole gas aggregator in Sarawak.

On July 28, Abang Johari wanted the discussion between Petros and Petronas on the distribution and supervision of oil and gas (O&G) trading in Sarawak to be finalised before Oct 1 this year.

He said Petronas had requested for Sarawak to defer the implementation of the new arrangement for the time being.

Abang Johari stressed that the discussion must be completed by Oct 1, or the new arrangement will be enforced.