Singapore Foreign Minister Visits Jakarta Over Gas Cut and Haze
Reuters reported that Singapore's foreign minister Lawrence Wong visited Jakarta on 27 October, meeting President Prabowo Subianto to discuss the recent cut in Indonesian gas shipments to Singapore and the persistent haze from forest fires. Indonesia reduced daily gas exports to Singapore by about 31 million cubic feet on 24 October to prioritise its own power generation, a move the Indonesian energy ministry said met contractual minimums. Singapore’s Energy Minister Tan See Leng said the cut, representing less than 2 % of daily demand, would not raise short-term electricity prices. Gas Supply began reviewing contracts and seeking commercial remedies, while the Workers’ Party urged that existing contracts be honoured.
The Energy Market Authority announced a S$5. 3 billion five-year plan to expand the power grid, add gas-fired plants and boost solar capacity, and later set a target of 4 GWp of solar by 2035. Indonesia’s energy minister said the country would seek gasoline supplies from India and China to diversify away from Singapore.