The Philippines' energy ministry yesterday defended the sale of the Malampaya gas project - formerly controlled by a Shell (AMS:RDSA) and Chevron (NYSE:CVX) joint venture - to a company run by an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, dismissing a graft complaint.
The government of the Philippines is eyeing a potentially large gas discovery as UK company Forum Energy prepares to drill in the disputed waters of the South China Sea. But geologists remain skeptical about the potential and any unilateral drilling will likely draw Beijing’s ire.
Philippine tycoon Dennis Uy's Udenna conglomerate struck a deal worth up to $460 million to buy a gas exploration and development company from Shell last week. The deal, which attracted a premium valuation and boosts Udenna’s share in the Malampaya gas field to 90%, is positive for both the Philippines and Shell.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said challenging China in the South China Sea will only lead to violence, and that he will only do so if Beijing drills for oil in the disputed waters.
The Philippines this week approved yet another proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import scheme as the country faces a looming gas supply crunch. However, the latest award, to AG&P, underscores the department of energy’s (DOE’s) lack of strategy for LNG imports in the power-hungry Southeast Asia nation.