Minister for Petroleum and Energy

Modelling of the new Exotica North Gas Prospect indicates a 90 percent probability that it holds 3.6 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. This would rank the prospect alongside other top-tier petroleum assets currently in production in PNG.

The research was conducted by Peak Oil (PNG) Pty Ltd (‘PEAK’), a privately owned Australian company which has extensive acreage over the New Ireland Basin.

Speaking at the 17^th Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources and Energy’s Investment Conference in Sydney, Minister Kua said this latest find is exciting news for PNG.

Minister for Petroleum and Energy Fabian Pok revealed this on the floor of parliament recently after being questioned by Finschhafen MP Reinbo Paita.

“Do we have a clear market domestic market obligation as a government?

“Do we have a clear energy policy to help reduce the price and cost of energy in the country?” said Paita.

Pok said the government, during the drawing up of the LNG agreement back in 2008 and 2009, had failed to include a clause which allowed for the LNG to be made available for the domestic market.

Minister Duban made the announcement in the presence of people gathered to witness the reconciliation ceremony hosted by Aufan community with two wokabaut sawmills, funds for women’s project, youths, church, sports and other activities in the community.

Minister Duban says he has no grudges against the people of Aufan to have involved in the court case which proceeded to a by election.

He says he is ready to help the people of Aufan to bring development to the community.