National Company Prioritized to Manage Masela Blocks

INDUSTRY.co.id - Jakarta - The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) prioritizes national companies to become buyers and manage gas in Masela Block.

"The government will prioritize national companies to be purchasers of gas production of Masela Block," said Deputy Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources (EMR), Arcandra Tahar through a written statement received by the Editor in Jakarta, Tuesday (1/8/2017).

In his explanation Arcandra expects many enthusiastic national companies to manage Masela's block. Furthermore, Arcandra said the government is optimistic to immediately get this gas buyer Masela.

"The target is three months ahead, there are already some (potential buyers)," he said.

According to Arcandra, one of the obstacles faced is the price of gas. "One of the obstacles is the price of gas, and we're seeing how good the price is," he added.

In addition to who will later become the off taker of Masela gas production, Arcandra said the issue of extending downstream is no less important.

The gas product is expected to not only end up being Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). Arcandra exemplifies some possible derivative products are petrochemical and fertilizer products.

"We are extending this gas chain not only to LNG, but also to petrochemicals or fertilizers, the longer the better," he said.

"As long as the gas is picked up in order to extend downstream, this is also downstream, making the gas into ethanol or possibly later to polyethylene and polypropylene," says Arcandra.