KUALA LUMPUR: National oil and gas company Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) says it is still in discussions with Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) over gas distribution in the state.
"The ongoing discussions aim to align the interests and objectives of all parties while preserving the sanctity of existing contractual arrangements and ensuring that commitments to investors as well as customers can continue to be fulfilled," Petronas said in a brief statement today.
Earlier today, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said Petronas had unofficially informed state utility and telecommunications minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi that it had agreed in principle for Petros to serve as the sole gas aggregator in the state.
"Petronas has informed Julaihi unofficially, but we will receive the official letter soon," he said after attending a Deepavali open house at the residence of Sarawak Sikh Temple Association president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira.
He added that further discussions would be held between Petros and Petronas to finalise the formula and principle.
On July 28, Abang Johari said the state government had set an Oct 1 deadline for Petronas to resolve the gas distribution issue in the state with Petros.
However, Petronas requested an extension to complete negotiations.
The state government had previously decided that Petros would assume control over the buying and selling of gas in Sarawak from July 1.
Petronas requested a delay, citing potential disruptions to gas distribution for LNG plants in Bintulu.
The government agreed to a three-month extension, extending the deadline to Oct 1.
On Sept 24, the state government, Petros and Petronas, in a joint statement, said talks on gas distribution in the state would conclude soon.