00:00Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Dr. Rudal Munilal, says while Methanex's decision to idle its operations is regrettable, it
00:10does not mean the door is closed.
00:12For some time now, they have been engaged with the NGC in dialogue concerning gas pricing and gas allocation and
00:20so on.
00:21Regrettably, we are at a stage where there could be no agreement at this time.
00:26But I'm very confident that as we go forward, the decision of Methanex to preserve and idle their plant keeps
00:36the door open for a restart-ready situation
00:40where they may be able to restart in a short term.
00:44He says dialogue continues with NGC and all stakeholders to navigate this very challenging environment.
00:52He says it's not the first time a company has been idled, mothballed or even closed, citing the PNM's closure
00:59of Petrotrin.
01:00Dr. Munilal is optimistic the move by Methanex is temporary.
01:05As we go forward, we have several projects that will mean increase in gas supply, expansion in production,
01:14and that will have an impact upon negotiations with the downstream operators.
01:19And we are hoping that at some time very soon, we can be discussing with Methanex and with other players
01:26as well as gas production increases.
01:28We are working, as I said, with the stakeholders to ensure that this matter is temporary and we can have
01:37a new wave of discussions as the situation develops.
01:41Meanwhile, following his address at a graduation ceremony held at the Grand Memorial Presbyterian Primary School in San Fernando on
01:50Tuesday,
01:51he gave an update on government's plan to send a delegation to further energy discussions in Venezuela.
01:57We have a particular agreement, side agreements and so on to look at, which we are looking at.
02:04The situation in Venezuela has changed in the last week or so.
02:08I want to take the opportunity to express our very deep concern, our condolences to the families who have lost
02:15victims in that situation.
02:18But given the damage that has been incurred and the situation there now, that would, by definition, put us back
02:26a few days or weeks, as the case may be.
02:29Cindy Raghu Bhattika Singh, TV6 News.
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