Pertamina EP funnels first gas from Bunyu Nibung

By Godang Sitompul

PT Pertamina EP Eastern Indonesia has funneled first gas from Bunyu Nibung field of Sangata Block in East Kalimantan to the gas-fired power plant Tarakan owned by state utility PT PLN at the volume of 2 mmscfd since July 1 this year.

Pertamina EP General Manager for eastern Indonesia, Satoto Agustono said that the gas was transported through pipeline by Medco. "Gas commissioning started since July 1 at the volume of between 1 and 2 mmscfd to PLN. The contract will be for 3.5 years, at the price of US$ 5 per mmbtu,? Satoto told Petromindo.com in Jakarta on Thursday.

Separately, PLN Oil Fuels and Gas Division Head M.Suryadi Mardjoeki confirmed that his company had received gas from Bunyu Nibung.

"PLN has received gas from Pertamina EP. The plant has been in a process of commissioning since last week. The gas volume is 2 mmscfd,? Suryadi told Petromindo.com in Jakarta on Thursday.

But he said there was no certainty of contract duration as the gas his company received was flare gas. ?But next year, we?ll also received gas at 6 mmscfd from Manhattan Kalimantan Investment (MKI)," he added.

Editing by Benget Besalicto Tnb.