Purnomo confirms China's gas tender winner not yet announced

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro stressed on Thursday Chinese authorities had not yet announced the winner of the contract to annually supply to China 3.5 million tons of natural liquefied gas (LNG).

?It is not true that Indonesia has lost out in the tender. I have confirmed about it, and have received reports that announcement on the tender winner has not been made,? Purnomo told reporters.

Indonesia, Australia and Qatar are shortlisted bidders for the LNG supply contract.

Purnomo was commenting on rumors that Qatar had won the tender to supply LNG to China?s first LNG import facility in Guandong province in Southern China, under a long-term contract.

Oil and gas director general Rachmat Sudibyo said on Wednesday the LNG tender winner might be announced in June.

Meanwhile, Australian Prime Minister John Howard who is in an official visit to China said on Wednesday the tender winner announcement would occur ?fairly soon?. (Godang)