The citizens of Trinidad and Tobago deserve a straight answer: What is the real state of our natural gas supply?
On one hand, Proman is telling us that gas supply is constrained and that it does not always have enough gas to operate its plants at full capacity. The company is now reducing its workforce.
On the other hand, NGC is telling the country that it is securing new gas supplies and taking steps to strengthen our energy security.
So which story should the citizens believe?
This is not a public relations exercise. Gas is the lifeblood of our economy. It feeds Point Lisas, supports petrochemicals, electricity generation and LNG, and generates foreign exchange and government revenue.
If Proman is telling us there is not enough gas, then the Government and NGC must tell the country exactly how much gas we have, how much we need, what the shortfall is and when that shortfall will be resolved.
And if NGC is telling us that the supply situation is being addressed, then tell us when the industry can expect reliable gas supplies, not simply that agreements have been signed.
The public is hearing about future gas projects while companies operating today are already dealing with gas constraints.
We therefore need ONE clear national gas supply statement from the Government and NGC.
How much gas do we have today?
How much do we need?
How much is actually being delivered?
Who is getting the available gas?
What is the shortfall?
And when will the shortfall be eliminated?
Citizens should not have to determine the health of our most important economic resource by reading conflicting announcements from companies.
If there is no gas crisis, explain Proman’s warning.
If there is a gas crisis, explain why the country is not being told the full story.
Trinidad and Tobago deserves the facts, plainly, honestly and without the public-relations gloss.
Gordon Laughlin,
Westmoorings
