ASEAN gas grid to be completed in 15 years

The Trans-Asean gas grid could be completed before the targeted 2015 if there is the political will among Asean countries to do so, according to Petronas' president.

"While we acknowledge that many obstacles exist, we are confident that the Trans-Asean gas grid will be fully realized by the year 2015," Dow Jones was quoted Hassan as saying in a speech at a petroleum conference.

"With political will and strong support of the Asean member countries to overcome the obstacles, the Trans-Asean gas grid can be fully realized earlier," he added. He didn't give an expected completion date other than the targeted 2015.

The Trans-Asean gas grid will link the national gas networks of countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Asean members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hassan said the Asean Council of Petroleum has identified seven new links to connect supply sources to demand centers in Asean. (*)