Race on to protect natural gas supplies
The Energy Ministry has been given 12 months to find ways to manage natural gas concessions that are due to expire between 2022 and 2023.
The National Energy Policy Committee yesterday agreed on a broad guideline under which the government requires higher shares in gas fields, ontinues with their development to prevent any adverse effect on gas production, and prudently manages benefit sharing for the maximum interests of the country and its people.
The committee, chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, also acknowledged preparatory measures by the Mineral Fuels Department to hire consultants to study and appraise natural gas reserves.
Three concessions covering five fields are due to expire in 2022, with one concession for two fields to expire in 2023. They include large concessions for the Erawan and Bongkot gas fields.