The FMM is concerned about a possible cumulative gas price increase of 22.6% by end of 2019.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) is cautious about the impact of possible cumulative gas price hikes by end of 2019 due to the uncertain global economy in the next few years.
The industry group had on Friday issued a statement following the announcement by the Energy Commission about the natural gas (NG) tariff rebate of 40 sen per mmBtu from January to June 2017.
The FMM said while it welcomed the rebate it was concerned about a possible cumulative gas price increase of 22.6% by end of 2019.
On Thursday, Gas Malaysia Bhd
said the Energy Commission had approved the average base tariffs for the regulatory period from January 2017 to end-2019. This would see the average base NG tariff to be RM32.74 per mmBtu by 2019 from RM26.71 per mmBtu in January 2017.
“FMM recognises that the gas cost pass-through (GCPT) mechanism is in place and that the average base tariff, which takes into account the increase in volume of LNG import and foreign exchange fluctuations, would be adjusted according to the GCPT announcement for the relevant period.
“Nevertheless, FMM is hopeful that the government would continue to consider industries competitiveness vis-à-vis regional competitors in the energy subsidy rationalisation and the proposed transition to market price and to continually assess the impact of price reviews against the prevalent economic and market conditions.
“FMM would continue to advocate for a fair pricing of natural gas, in particular for the locally sourced piped gas, and seek further engagement with the government to obtain further clarity on the basis of the average base tariff determination for the next three years,” said the trade body.
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