Le Nhu Linh, chairman of PV Gas, told the Daily on June 20 that gas output is in decline. Gas-fired power plants now account for 30% of the country’s total power output, but domestic gas output is steadily dropping. Therefore, gas imports are needed to deal with a possible shortage in natural gas in the near future.

PV Gas intends to import gas from foreign suppliers and is in negotiations with Indonesia and Malaysia to carry gas from these countries to Vietnam through new and existing pipelines, Linh noted.

The corporation provides some nine billion cubic meters of gas each year to nearly 10 thermal power plants, mostly in southern Vietnam, including Phu My, Ba Ria, Nhon Trach and Ca Mau, generating some 30% of Vietnam’s electricity output.

More thermal power plants are slated for investment and will be put into operation to meet a surge in electricity demand. PV Gas will supply gas for these new plants, including Phu My 1, Phu My 2, Nhon Trach 3 and Nhon Trach 4.

The company plans to inject an estimated US$4 billion into gas transport, processing, distribution and import projects between now and 2020 to successfully supply gas for the country.

PV Gas is now responsible for 30% of Vietnam’s energy output and for fertilizer facilities that meet 70% of the country’s total urea fertilizer needs, holding 70% of the LPG market.