The Myanmar government in February this year decided to sell gas from Blocks A-1 and A-3 to China through the pipeline route, a leading English daily reported here today quoting Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Murli Deora.
India's ONGC Videsh Ltd has 20 per cent stake each in the two blocks while gas firm Gail held 10 per cent apiece.
"Myanmar issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) on February 11, 2004, wherein Gail was acknowledged as a preferential buyer of gas from these blocks. An MoU to this effect was signed between the two countries on March 9, 2006," he said.
In terms of the provision in the LoI and MoU, Gail completed a detailed feasibility report for an onland pipeline from Myanmar passing through north-eastern States of India.
The Myanmar government on August 9, 2006 invited bids from prospective buyers like India, China and Thailand for export of gas.
In October, the Myanmar government intimated none of the bids met its expectations. Subsequently, it invited bids for sale of 3.5 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Gail again submitted its bid.
Via: Islamic Republic News Agency
