Natural gas exports top $3.5 bln last FY

23 Nov


Myanmar’s exports of natural gas in the past financial year 2019-2020 amounted to US$3.5 billion, the Commerce Ministry’s data showed.


The figures plunged from $3.88 billion registered in the FY2018-2019, as per Commerce Ministry data.


Natural gas is included in the list of major export items of Myanmar. Over 10 per cent of the country’s total export earnings come from the sale of natural gas.


There are 53 onshore blocks and 51 offshore blocks, totalling 104 blocks. A total of 25 onshore blocks and 31 offshore blocks are operating under foreign investment. 


Natural gas extraction is being made at the Yadana, Yedagun, Shwe, and Zawtika offshore blocks as well as onshore drilling blocks. Yearly extraction is elevated to cubic feet in 670.36 billion from 600 billion this year, according to the fourth-year performance statement of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy.


The Shwe natural gas field, located offshore from Rakhine State, was discovered in 2014. Natural gas extracted from the area is exported to China.


The Yadana natural gas project is being carried out by the TOTAL Company, with its pipeline supplying natural gas to Thailand. Natural gas is also extracted in Yedagun, located offshore from Taninthayi and discovered in 1992. The Zawtika Project in the Gulf of Moattama mainly supplies natural gas to neighbouring Thailand. Production at Yadana and Yedagun is declining, and those projects will be halted in the coming years.


Ko Htet (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)