PLN has loss of Rp0.8T in Q1 2002

State electricity company PLN said on Monday it had a loss of Rp0.8 trillion (US$=Rp8,700) in the first quarter of 2002.

The company?s electricity sale in the first quarter of 2002 totaled Rp8.66 trillion, president director Eddie Widiono told a parliamentary hearing.

Earlier reports said PLN would incur losses in the entire year of 2002, compared with profit of Rp180.1 billion in 2001.

This year?s losses would be significantly caused by PLN buying more fuel oil and diesel oil to keep its generators in East Java on, the reports said.

PLN in East Java has experienced gas supply shortage due to a drop in natural gas supply from the BP Kangean block in East Java. (Godang)