Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi wants Shell Philippines Exploration B.V. to formalize its request to extend service contract 38 that covers the Malampaya gas project.
Spex, operator of the Malampaya gas project informed other government officials of its interest to explore for more oil and gas prospects in the SC 38 coverage area in northwest Palawan and the need to extend its license after 2024.
“They know the procedure, if they want an extension they should send a letter then we will study that. I cannot just sign that immediately,” Cusi said.
Spex earlier sent a request for extension during the previous administration, which the Duterte administration did not act on the appeal.
Spex recently briefed Senator Sherwin Gatchalian of its plans, including three to four potential areas in SC 38 that couldextend the life of the Malampaya gas field.
Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, said Spex was seeking to extend its contract to 2030.
The consortium is composed Spex as operator with a 40 percent stake, Chevron Malampaya LLC with an equal 40 percent and PNOC Exploration Corp. with 10 percent.