Govt denies reports on Indonesia's loss in China's LNG tender

Oil and gas director general on Wednesday denied reports that Indonesia had lost out to Qatar in the tender to annually supply China with 3.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

?Obviously, China has not yet announced the tender winner,? said Rachmat Sudibyo.

Rachmat added: ?The rumors that I had heard was that Australia was the tender winner.?

He told reporters China might announce the tender winner in June.

Australian LNG Pty Ltd, BP Indonesia and Qatar?s Ras Lafan are shortlisted bidders for supplying 3.5 million tons of LNG annually to China?s huge receiving terminal in Guangdong under a long-term contract. First delivery is targeted at December 2005.

China has not given any hints when to announce the tender winner. (Godang)