Ex-NMP asks if it's a coincidence that Indonesia is now considering ending gas export renewals to Singapore

Former Nominated Member of Parliament Calvin Cheng expressed doubt on social media regarding whether there is a coincidence that Indonesia is now contemplating ending gas export renewals to Singapore due to domestic shortages. Singapore receives up to a quarter of its natural gas supply from Indonesia, which in 2025 alone exported 3.22 million tonnes to the city-state, as reported by The Straits Times. Singapore's contracts with Indonesia for natural gas imports are set to conclude by the end of 2028.

On October 21, Indonesia's Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia suggested the country could evaluate its energy exports, including natural gas, to ensure domestic needs are met, following President Prabowo Subianto's directive to prioritize survival. Bahlil mentioned he would reassess contracts with uncooperative and disrespectful nations.

Although he didn't name Singapore explicitly, the city-state is alluded to in the Petromindo report, likely because of its significance as a major Indonesian gas customer and a neighboring country.

Indonesia had previously announced in 2020 its intention to cease supplying gas to Singapore by 2023, but extended the contract to 2028 in 2022, albeit with reduced volumes. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong acknowledged Indonesia's role as a primary source of Singapore's natural gas imports but noted that domestic demand would impact the supply Indonesia could export.

Singapore has been working on bolstering its LNG capacity, with a second terminal being constructed and is projected to become operational by the end of the decade. Additionally, the city-state is diversifying its energy mix to ensure adequate supply for its requirements.