Pertagas develops LNG retail business

In a bid to expand its LNG business at home, gas distribution firm PT Pertamina Gas (Pertagas) through its subsidiary PT Pertagas Niaga has started developing LNG retail business, supplying the fuel directly to consumers.

The company since late last year has started supplying gas for Balcony Mall in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, at a volume of 400 mmbtu per shipment. The gas is used for chillers and power generators at the mall.

Pertagas said in a statement Tuesday that the gas comes from LNG allocated from the Mahakam block in East Kalimantan at a volume of 0.02 standard cargo, processed at Pertaga?s Plant 26 in Bontang, and then transported via isotank trucks to the consumer.

?The pilot project (at Balcony Mall) is quite successful,? claimed Eko Agus Sardjono, Technique and Commercial Director at Pertagas Niaga.

The company has appointed PT Prima Energi Rahardja as its partner in providing regasification facility.

The mall has so far received 2,790 mmbtu of gas from Pertagas, or equal to 7 isotank trucks.

Editing by Reiner Simanjuntak