PGN seeks 100 new industrial customers in W. Java area

State gas distribution company PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) said it targeted around 100 companies in Western Java to become its new customers following the completion of the construction of the first stage of Pagar Dewa, South Sumatra to Bojonegara, Banten pipeline project in 2007.

?We target to channel 250 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to 100 industries between 2007 and 2008,? said PGN?s president director Sutikno in his visit to the company?s gas transmission station in Bojonegara, Banten on Wednesday.

According to him, at least 200 factories and industries are queuing for gas supply from PGN. Numerous companies have turned to gas in line with the rising price of oil in the world?s market and the relatively cheap selling price that PGN sets. The gas is sold for US$5 million british thermal unit (MMBTU).

He explained that Pagar Dewa-Bojonegara gas transmission station would start to channel 30 MMCFD in March 2007. The volume will be raised to 60 MMCFD in May 2007.

?The test trial of channeling gas is underway and it seems there is no problem. Next month, PT Karakatau Listrik Daya will really get gas supply from PGN and it will be PGN?s first gas customer,? he said.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Japan?s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are scheduled to inaugurate the Bojonegara gas transmission station in April 2007.

When coming on stream, the Bojonegara gas transmission station is expected to channel 250 MMCFD in Western Java by the end of 2007 and will be raised to at least 480 MMCFD in 2008.(godang)