Myanmar to reserve gas for domestic use
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Natural gas is considered an export commodity in Myanmar, but the government recently decided to set aside adequate quantities for domestic consumption.
Natural gas for domestic use from M-3 Block will not be available until 2016-2017, and it is estimated that the block will be able to produce 100 million cubic feet of gas per day.
The Myanmar Ministry of Energy and PTTEPI of Thailand started joint exploration of M-3 Block off Mottama coast on March 26, 2011.
The reserve was measured with 3-D seismic instruments, and test wells and assessment wells were also dug. It was also announced that gas from M-3 Block will be set aside for domestic use. The block, closest to former capital Yangon, is operated by the PTTEPI, which has some shareholding in the venture along with the Ministry of Energy. As domestic consumption is estimated to be 100 million cubic feet daily, the block will be able to produce enough gas for Myanmar. The government has also secured agreements to set aside gas for Rakhine state from the Myanmar-China gas pipeline, which sells gas from the Shwe Gas Block off Rakhine coast to China.
It is also learnt that some of the gas from the Zawtika Gas Project will be available for domestic use.
