*LONDON/SINGAPORE – World energy giants eye $6 billion mega energy dealswith Pakistan in the coming months.*
Italian oil major Eni, China’s overseas energy unit PetroChina and twotrading houses are vying to supply liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Pakistanin one of the largest tenders ever worth billions of dollars, two sourcesfamiliar with the matter said on Friday.
The 240-cargo 10-year tender, which is likely to be worth from $5 billionto $6 billion according to Reuters calculations and the estimates ofanother source based on current market conditions, was issued last monthand closed on Thursday.
Pakistan is expected to be a significant growth driver in global LNGdemand, with WoodMac estimating the country will need 25 million tonnes ayear as domestic supplies dwindle and its economy grows. That would make ita top-five LNG buyer.
The companies that placed the offers are Eni, the trading arm of Azeristate oil company SOCAR, PetroChina International Singapore, a unit ofPetroChina Co Ltd and global trading house Trafigura, the sources said.
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“The technical bids for our long-term LNG supply tender were received andopened yesterday. Evaluations are underway,” Pakistan LNG said in emailedcomments to Reuters. The company did not say who bid.
PetroChina, Trafigura, Eni and SOCAR did not respond to emails requestingcomment.
The tender is keenly watched due to its size and because Pakistan, grippedin an anti-corruption drive under the government of Prime Minister ImranKhan, is expected to publish the lowest prices offered by the companies.
