Indonesia Barely Fulfills Gas Exports But Still Sells It

Indonesia has signed a preliminary agreement to sell liquefied natural gas to Chile.

According to Indonesian Energy Minister and OPEC president Purnomo Yusgiantoro, the government will send a team to Chile to discuss terms for the agreement.

Chile needs to import around four million tonnes of gas a year.

Yusgiantoro says Indonesia has gas reserves of 150 trillion cubic feet and has committed to sell around 90 trillion, with the remaining 60 to cover domestic demand.

However, Indonesia is currently struggling to fulfill liquefied natural gas export orders. Earlier this month it was considering cutting shipments to Japan, South Korea and Taiwan in 2005 to cover domestic shortfalls.