KUCHING: The Sarawak government has confirmed that discussions between Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) and Petroleum Sarawak Bhd (Petros) over the implementation of the single gas aggregator arrangement under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance (DGO) are still ongoing.
The state's utility and telecommunications minister Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said discussion should be concluded as soon as possible.
"The Sarawak government reiterates that under the DGO, Petros is appointed as the sole gas aggregator. There is no other gas aggregator in the state," he said in a statement issued late last night.
Julaihi said this in response to Petronas' statement yesterday afternoon that the discussions between both parties regarding the proposed implementation of DGO are still ongoing.
Petronas said the discussions aim to align the interests and objectives of all parties in addition to preserving the sanctity of existing contractual arrangements and ensuring that commitments to investors and customers can be fulfilled.
Yesterday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg announced that Petronas had completed negotiations with Petros regarding the distribution of gas in Sarawak.
Abang Johari said Petronas had unofficially informed Julaihi that it had agreed in principle for Petros to serve as the sole gas aggregator in the state.
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.