Purnomo, Baihaki to soon visit China to discuss LNG supply for Jiangshu

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro will visit China in the near future to discuss with that country?s government officials about the intention of consumers in Jiangshu province to buy liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Bontang, East Kalimantan, a well-placed official said on Tuesday.

?We will ask Chinese government officials about the consumers' plan. We are highly interested in their offer to buy our LNG, but we must feel assured about the support from the Chinese government,? said Baihaki Hakim, president director of state oil and gas firm Pertamina. Baihaki, who will accompany Purnomo in his China visit, did not disclose when they will go to China.

A delegation of Jiangshu consumers recently came to Bontang, and held talks with Pertamina leaders during their visit.

If materializing, their plan would be China?s second project of importing LNG from Indonesia. Pertamina and China?s energy firm CNOOC are scheduled to sign on Thursday in Jakarta a 25-year contract to supply LNG to Fujian province. (godang/leo)