Singapore vows to protect contractual rights over Indonesia’s gas export cut; PM confirms nuclear feasibility study

Singapore vows to protect contractual rights over Indonesia’s gas export cut; PM confirms nuclear feasibility study



Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivers a speech during the Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council-China Summit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 27, 2025. — Bernama pic


Summary

• Prime Minister Lawrence Wong addressed the People's Action Party conference, underscoring Singapore's commitment to diversifying its energy supply in light of Indonesia's decision to reduce piped gas exports.
• Wong emphasized Singapore's expectation that contractual obligations be honored and noted that local gas importers would take necessary measures to protect their interests.
• He acknowledged ongoing efforts to explore nuclear energy as a reliable power source, despite existing concerns, and highlighted the need for regional cooperation to address broader challenges like transboundary issues and online scams.

First Published: Sunday, 25 Oct 2026 1:11 PM MYT


SINGAPORE, Oct 25 — The republic’s gas importers will use all available measures to protect their contractual rights, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said today after Indonesia's decision to curb pipeline gas exports.

Addressing the People's Action Party (PAP) conference, Wong noted that while piped natural gas remains central to power generation, investments in liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals have diversified Singapore's supply chains against single-source vulnerabilities. The Straits Times reported.

“We expect all parties to honour their commitments, and Singapore’s gas importer will take the necessary steps to protect its rights and interests under these contracts,” Wong said.

His remarks follow an announcement by Indonesia's upstream regulator, SKK Migas, reducing piped gas exports to Singapore by 31 billion British thermal units per day (BBTUD) from Oct 24 under President Prabowo Subianto's domestic energy drive.


Singapore's Energy Market Authority (EMA) clarified that local importers face a smaller reduction of 17 BBTUD over 18 days, representing under 2 per cent of national daily demand exceeding 1,000 BBTUD.

Looking ahead, Wong said Singapore requires “cleaner sources of power to provide reliable electricity around the clock”, confirming ongoing feasibility studies into nuclear energy despite safety and waste concerns in a dense city-state.

“We take the concerns very seriously. Safety must come first. But we should not rule out an option simply because it is difficult or controversial,” he said. Singapore will undergo an International Atomic Energy Agency assessment in 2027 to gauge deployment readiness.

Wong added that cross-border challenges, including transboundary haze and online scams, demand regional cooperation alongside domestic vigilance.

“We are doing everything we can within our power to protect Singaporeans, strengthen our own response and work with our partners to tackle these problems at source.”