LNG shortfall may slightly down next year: Pertamina

Shortfall in LNG shipment from Indonesia to buyers may slightly decline to between 71-74 cargoes next year, from an estimated 79 cargoes this year, Pertamina?s president Ari H. Soemarno said on Wednesday.

Ari corrected his statement on Monday that shortfall in LNG shipment from Indonesia could decline to 52 cargoes next year.

He said on Wednesday that he had referred to the Bontang LNG plant in East Kalimantan, rather than the nation?s total LNG output. Shortfall from the Bontang LNG plant could decline to 52 cargoes next year, from an estimated 60 cargoes this year, he insisted.

Meanwhile, LNG shipment from another LNG plant in Arun, Nangroe Aceh Darussalam, which is less in capacity compared to the Bontang plant, is expected to fall short of its commitment to buyers by between 9 and 12 cargoes next year, he added.

Ari said on Monday the Bontang LNG plant is expected to increase its output next year as a result of an improvement in fields that supply natural gas to the plant.

In June this year, Ari projected a grim outlook for the performance of the nation?s LNG industry this year, saying shortfall in LNG shipment to reach 79 cargoes in the period. (Godang)