Petronas and Petros: A Strategic Partnership for the Sarawak Gas Roadmap
Petronas is the Best Partner for the Sarawak Gas Roadmap
Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) is Petroleum Sarawak Bhd’s (Petros) best strategic partner for the successful implementation of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, according to a state minister. Sarawak utility and telecommunications minister Julaihi Narawi emphasized the importance of the commercial collaboration between Petronas and Petros in order to fully implement the roadmap.
The Key to Success
While the state government’s blueprint is comprehensive, Julaihi believes that the key to its success lies in Petros’s strategic partnership with Petronas. “To implement the Sarawak Gas Roadmap effectively, Petros requires a strategic partner, and I firmly believe that Petronas is the most suitable partner for this endeavour,” he said. “If this commercial collaboration can be finalised soon, we will be able to execute the Sarawak Gas Roadmap swiftly and efficiently,” he added.
Deadlocked Negotiations
However, FMT reported earlier this week that Petronas and Petros were deadlocked in negotiations over gas rights, with Sarawak sticking to its original demands despite giving assurances to the contrary. A Sarawak government insider revealed that the Bornean state’s stance has not changed since last year, despite federal and Sarawak government leaders announcing that negotiations were progressing.
Government’s Assurance
On February 17, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament that Sarawak had agreed that the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) 1974 would remain the overarching framework for governance in Malaysia’s oil and gas industry. He also announced that all of Petronas’s existing agreements would remain intact and governed entirely by the PDA, and that Petronas and its subsidiaries would not be obliged to comply with any additional requirements imposed under state law. However, Anwar stated that Petros would be allowed to perform its role as Sarawak’s gas aggregator under the Distribution of Gas Ordinance 2016, which “must be read together” with the PDA.
Petronas’s Stance
Earlier today, Petronas said it was working closely with Putrajaya, Sarawak, and Petros on the details of the future arrangement regarding Petros’s role as the state’s gas aggregator. The company emphasized the importance of ensuring that the rights and interests of all parties, including end-customers and investors, were addressed accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the success of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap hinges on the partnership between Petronas and Petros. While negotiations over gas rights have been deadlocked, the importance of this partnership cannot be overstated. As Sarawak’s minister of utility and telecommunications, Julaihi Narawi believes that Petronas is the best partner for this endeavour. With the government’s assurance that Petronas’s existing agreements will remain intact, it is crucial that a resolution is reached to ensure the successful implementation of the roadmap.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Sarawak Gas Roadmap?
A: The Sarawak Gas Roadmap is a comprehensive blueprint for the development of the gas industry in Sarawak.
Q: What is the role of Petronas in the Sarawak Gas Roadmap?
A: Petronas is the best strategic partner for the successful implementation of the Sarawak Gas Roadmap, according to a state minister.
Q: What is the current status of negotiations between Petronas and Petros?
A: Negotiations between Petronas and Petros are currently deadlocked, with Sarawak sticking to its original demands despite giving assurances to the contrary.