Papua New Guinea risks LNG ambitions
The county’s negotiating tactics are damaging its reputation among developers
Papua New Guinea’s clumsy attempts to secure greater returns from LNG projects continue to discourage investors, particularly as the country was already seen as challenging given its difficult terrain, limited infrastructure, frequent civil unrest, high level of corruption and potential for earthquakes. At least one major development—the Total-operated 5.33mn t/yr Papua LNG scheme—remains on track in the resource-rich island nation, while a smaller scheme—Pasca A—has become the latest project thrown into doubt by government negotiation tactics. The Papua LNG partners—comprising France’s Total (40.1pc), ExxonMobil-subsidiary InterOil (36.5pc) and ASX-listed Oil Search (22.8pc)—signed a fis
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub






