Indonesia to lobby Qatar for LNG supply

Indonesian government will officially submit request proposal to Qatar government about its intention to import LNG for domestic supply, an official with IDX-listed state gas distribution firm PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (Persero) (PGN said).

Presidential Special Envoy for Middle East Alwi Shihab will visit Qatar shortly to convey government?s request, PGN?s VP Gas Supply Gamal Imam Santoso told Petromindo.Com on Monday.

Gamal said that Alwi will initially pursue G-to-G negotiation with Qatar government, to be followed by technical negotiation should the Qatar government agree to supply LNG to Indonesia.

PGN is planning to build an LNG receiving terminal in North Sumatra and together with state oil, gas company PT Pertamina (Persero) are also planning one in Jakarta. Both terminals are expected to become onstream in late 2011 or early 2012.

Gamal said in March that PGN is looking to import 1.5-2 million tonnes per annum of LNG from Qatar. (bernard)