Discussions for gas deal ongoing: Spokesperson

DISCUSSIONS with the Papua New Guinea Government to complete the required gas agreement for the P’nyang gas project in Western are ongoing, according to ExxonMobil PNG Ltd.
A spokesperson from the company told The National yesterday that an agreement was needed before decisions can be made.
The spokesperson said this include front-end engineering and design for the three-train development at the PNG LNG plant site.
The spokesperson was not able to comment on the commercial aspect of the project, but said: “As a matter of practice, we don’t comment on commercial discussions.”
Last week, Petroleum and Energy Minister Kerenga Kua confirmed that negotiations between the State and ExxonMobil as developer of the project had begun.
“I am pleased to see the project being progressed and I commend the State negotiating team for developing the plan (terms and conditions) that they presented to the P’nyang ministerial committee,” Kua said.
“The committee that consists of relevant economic ministers have deliberated on these terms and conditions and then endorsed it to the Prime Minister for his approval.
“With this phase now complete, Prime Minister Marape has directed me to instruct the State negotiating team led by the chief secretary to Government Isaac Lupari to engage with ExxonMobil in negotiating an agreed terms and conditions of a possible P’nyang gas agreement,” he said.
“The outcome of these negotiations will then be presented to the National Executive Council for its endorsement before it is signed by all interested parties.
“I am confident of an outcome that will be favourable for all stakeholders.
“All things going well we can expect to sign a P’nyang gas agreement around the end of this month.”