Petros Niaga to become sole distributor of LPG in Sarawak

Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi has announced that Petros Niaga Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros), will be the exclusive distributor of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Sarawak, starting Dec 1. 

The decision comes as the Sarawak government opted not to renew the LPG distribution license of another company.

“Presently, Petros Niaga controls 68 per cent of the LPG market in Sarawak, with another company holding the remaining 32 per cent, whose license is set to expire at the end of the month. 

“With the state government’s decision not to renew the license, Petros Niaga will have full control of the LPG market in Sarawak, effective next month,” he said when widing the debate on the Distribution of Gas (Amendment) Bill 2023 at the Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday (Nov 11).

Following the passing of the bill, Sarawak aims to utilise at least 30 per cent of the natural gas produced within the state for domestic purposes.

The Bill also introduces provisions to enhance enforcement, including remanding those arrested under the Ordinance and the seizure of property when offenders cannot be found. 

Additionally, the new provisions include the remanding of those arrested if investigations cannot be completed within 24 hours and the seizure of property when the offender is unknown or cannot be found. 

“If there is no prosecution regarding seized items, they will be deemed forfeited at the expiry of one calendar month from the date of seizure unless the owner claims them before that date.”