PTT targets transformation into a major LNG player

National oil and gas conglomerate PTT Plc is pressing ahead with plans to become a leading global liquefied natural gas (LNG) trader despite growing uncertainty in energy markets caused by geopolitical conflicts, says president and chief executive Kongkrapan Intarajang.

Speaking at the Standard Economic Forum, Mr Kongkrapan said the company wants to transform itself from a national energy champion into a prominent international LNG player as it approaches its 48th anniversary on Dec 29.

PTT plans to increase its LNG trading volume from 3-4 million tonnes a year to 10 million tonnes by 2030, and 15 million tonnes by 2035.

The expansion builds on PTT's experience across the natural gas value chain, spanning offshore gas exploration, pipeline transport and gas separation operations.

The company intends to leverage its expertise and infrastructure to expand beyond Thailand and participate more in international energy markets, he noted.

According to PTT, the strategy serves two key objectives, with the first to generate new revenue streams through international LNG trading, enabling the company to capture opportunities in global markets and strengthen returns.

The second is to enhance energy security by creating a broader trading network that offers greater flexibility in sourcing supplies and managing risks linked to geopolitical tensions and market volatility.

Mr Kongkrapan said earlier that electricity, natural gas and LNG are more important to national security, describing them as critical to power reliability, economic stability and investor confidence, rather than merely energy commodities.

To support its long-term growth plans, PTT earmarked 28.6 billion baht for core infrastructure investments in 2026. A significant portion of the budget is allocated to upstream oil and gas activities through its subsidiary, PTT Exploration and Production Plc (PTTEP).

PTTEP plans to raise petroleum output through a combination of new project developments and strategic asset acquisitions, helping to secure future energy supplies while supporting the group's expansion objectives.