Energy officials in Thailand say that Thailand wants more LNG from Malaysia

Thai energy officials said on Wednesday that Thailand actively seeks additional 'LNG' supplies from Malaysia due to disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Watcharin Boonyarit said that Thailand will need to diversify its LNG supply, which is estimated to be between 5% and 10%. He was speaking on the sidelines at the Offshore Technology Conference held in Kuala Lumpur.

He said that "roughly two to three LNG ships arrive from the area each?month" and added that these?shipments will need to be replaced in the future if the crisis continues, for example through spot market purchases.

Watcharin confirmed that talks are in progress with Petronas. However, he clarified the fact that Thailand's PTT PCL (a state-controlled energy firm) handles procurement.

PTT PCL, and Petronas didn't immediately respond to an after-hours request for comment.

Deputy director-general of the Department of Mineral fuels at the 'Energy Ministry, 'Supalak Parn-anurak said that the country had requested a?additional supply of gas from the Malaysia-Thailand Joint Development Area, a resource?zone managed jointly by -both- countries.

Supalak stated that the volume of procurement would depend on the spare capacity available in Malaysia.

(source: Reuters)