Government announces allocation of 20 million cubic feet of natural gas to Kyauk Phyu

Government announces allocation of 20 million cubic feet of natural gas to Kyauk Phyu
by -
Mizzima

The state-run Newspaper New Light of Myanmar reported that Government will allocate only 20 million cubic feet of natural gas per day to Kyauk Phyu in Rakhine State. On completion, the Kyauk Phyu-Kunming natural gas pipeline will transport a total of 500 million cubic feet of gas per day. 400 million cubic feet will be delivered to China and only 100 million cubic feet will be reserved for local use.

 Shwe Gas

According to the official announcement, the gas pipeline will be transporting 5.2 billion cubic feet of gas each year.

Kyaw Soe Oo, spokesman of Demanding Rights over Resources in Rakhine State Committee, said that the quota of Kyauk Phyu is measly and it should get about 50 million cubic feet of gas per day.

He said, “20 million cubic (feet) is actually a small amount if we consider the  entire production. The professionals would know this better.”

Oo Hla Saw from Rakhine Nationalities Development Party (RNDP) said, “It’s time to demand 'efficient Electricity' in Rakhine State. Everyone wants to know where things stand, as the Government has only assured to allocate 20 million cubic feet of gas to Kyauk Phyu but nothing more afterwards.”  

The state-run media also reported that 23 million cubic feet of natural gas will be delivered to Yenanchaung Townshhip, and 57 million cubic feet to Taungtha Township. The pipeline was tested successfully on July 15, this year. The  China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) and Myanmar  signed an MOU to construct and operate the gas pipeline four years ago.

The residents protested with demands of compensations for confiscated lands and development projects in Rakhine state. The authorities have filed law suits against ten people who led the demonstrations.

The residents are apprehensive about management and problems that could arise if the gas pipeline gets damaged or goes off. The government has not shared any plans to assuage the resident's fear. Social organizations formed by the Rakhine nationalities have perpetually objected the gas pipeline project on the principle that it is unfair to allocate the natural resources.