KUCHING: Petroliam Sarawak Bhd (Petros) will commence assuming Petroliam Nasional Bhd’s (Petronas) role in all natural gas trading activities in Sarawak, effective July 1, said State Utility and Telecommunication Minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi.
The minister said that the transition period for Petros to take over will be until January 2025.
“Petros will take over the role of Petronas as the purchaser and seller of natural gas and, subsequently, conduct related activities related to the procurement, supply and distribution of natural gas produced in Sarawak,” he said when winding up the debate for his ministry at the State Assembly sitting here today.
Julaihi added that Petros and Petronas also agreed to sign a definitive agreement where Petronas will acknowledge Petros as the sole gas aggregator under the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Ordinance 2023.
“Therefore, beginning July 1, Petros will serve as the state’s sole gas aggregator responsible for purchasing all natural gas produced in Sarawak from upstream gas producers and subsequently selling it to downstream gas buyers, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants.
“This will allow for a continuous supply of LNG for processing plants to fulfil their contracts with overseas buyers such as those in Japan and Korea,” he said.
Julaihi said that Petros will also continue its efforts to increase the use of natural gas in line with the Sarawak Gas Roadmap (SGR).
“Through the SGR initiative, natural gas usage in Sarawak can potentially increase to 30 per cent or more by 2030, up from the current six per cent.
“The SGR is expected to attract investments into Sarawak, fostering high-value economic activities and creating more opportunities for higher-income jobs,” he added.
— BERNAMA
