ExxonMobil resumes Aceh?s South Lhok Sukon gas operations

State oil and gas firm Pertamina said on Monday that US oil, gas giant ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia (EMOI) had resumed gas operations from South Lhok Sukon gas field, according to a Pertamina official.

?ExxonMobil had resumed gas operations on Saturday, however, we haven?t got the report how much gas the field currently produces,? said Pertamina?s senior spokesperson Siddick Nitikusumah on a sideline of Pertamina?s anniversary ceremony.

The South Lhok Sukon start-up leaves only one field, the Pase gas field remains unoperational. Both gas fields located in a remote area of Northern Aceh.

EMOI shut down its gas operations in March this year due to security concern.

Siddick said that Pertamina expected EMOI would be able to resume operations in Pase field in the next few weeks.

EMOI?s official was not available for comment.

EMOI?s gas production from Cluster I-IV gas field had been sufficient to feed Arun NGL, which produces liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export. However, natural gas supplies to near by fertilizer plants and paper mill had still stopped, pending for EMOI?s full production resumption, which, according to Pertamina, is scheduled in mid-December this year. (godang/alex)