Reuters: Thai PTT to Double LNG Imports in 2015 to Replace Declining Myanmar Supplies

Thailand's PTT PCL said on Thursday it is planning to more than double its imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) this year compared to last, partly to help replace potential declines in pipeline imports from Myanmar.

Natural gas is used for almost 70 percent of Thailand's power generation. About one quarter of those supplies are piped in from Myanmar, although those contracts are winding down and Thailand's neighbour is expected to use more of its natural gas resources for its own development.

The plans for the increase in LNG import volumes to 5 million tonnes a year come after PTT, Thailand's only gas supplier, cut LNG targets last year as demand slowed after months of domestic political unrest.

"There's still a downside risk to our LNG import target for this year, and it could fall to just 3 million tonnes, due to a weak domestic economy and poor gas demand overall," PTT CEO Pailin Chuchottaworn told reporters. MORE