PGN expects 2009 gas sales to increase by 33%

State gas distribution firm PT Perusahaan Gas Negara Tbk (PGN) said on Wednesday it aimed to raise sales by as much as 33 percent to 800MMCFD in 2009.

"Electricity demand will continue to be high," CEO Hendi Prio Santoso told reporters. "We may sell 700 million cubic feet per day, but if the economy is healthy it may reach 800 million cubic feet per day."

The state firm distributes gas from exploration blocks to mostly industrial users such as fertiliser and cement companies, as well as manufacturers.(denny/bernard)