ZOAHARIAN.COM – Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong spoke after Indonesia decided to reduce natural gas exports to his country by 31 billion British thermal units per day (BBTUD). Wong asked all parties to respect the agreed commercial contracts and emphasized that Singapore would protect their rights and interests.

Wong made this statement at the People's Action Party (PAP) Awards & Conference 2026 on Sunday (25/10/2026). He emphasized that the gas supplies that Indonesia has so far sent are bound by commercial agreements that must be respected.

"We hope that all parties honor their commitments, and that Singapore gas importers will take the necessary steps to protect their rights and interests under these contracts," Wong said.

However, the Singapore government assesses that the impact of reducing gas supplies from Indonesia on its national energy needs is still relatively limited.

Based on data from the Singapore Energy Market Authority (EMA), the cut gas volume covers less than 2 percent of Singapore's total daily gas needs.

This figure is considered still manageable, even though natural gas is the main energy source for most of the country's power plants. Singapore's overall gas needs even exceed 1,000 BBTUD per day.

Singapore Prepares Alternative Gas Supply

Facing potential energy supply disruptions, Singapore has prepared a number of mitigation steps. One of them is by strengthening the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal infrastructure.

Through the LNG terminal, Singapore can import gas from various countries without being completely dependent on pipeline networks from certain supply countries.

Wong said this investment is an important part of Singapore's strategy to maintain energy security while providing flexibility when supply disruptions occur.

"We have invested in an LNG terminal to import natural gas from various countries without having to rely on pipelines. So this gives us more options to manage any disruption to our gas supply," he said.

Apart from expanding import sources, Singapore is also starting to seriously evaluate alternative energy to meet electricity needs in the long term.

One option being studied is nuclear energy. This step is considered to support stable electricity availability for 24 hours while reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

However, Wong emphasized that safety remains the main consideration before the government makes decisions regarding the use of nuclear energy.

According to him, each option must be evaluated carefully by considering risks, consequences and community input.

"Safety must come first. But we must not rule out an option just because it is difficult or controversial," stressed Wong.

Indonesia Prioritizes Domestic Gas Needs

Previously, Head of the Special Task Force for Upstream Oil and Gas Business Activities (SKK Migas) Djoko Siswanto explained that the reduction in gas exports to Singapore was carried out to ensure the reliability and sustainability of energy supplies for domestic needs, especially the electricity sector.

Indonesia cut gas exports by 31 BBTUD, consisting of 15 BBTUD from the Natuna region and 16 BBTUD from Sumatra.

The reduction in supply from Sumatra comes from the Jambi Merang Working Area (WK). These adjustments will take effect on October 24 2026, as stated by Djoko at the 2026 Subroto Awards in Jakarta.

Djoko emphasized that this policy does not target other countries because the pipeline infrastructure used to distribute gas from the relevant areas is connected directly to Singapore.

"There are no (cuts to other countries), the pipeline only goes to Singapore," said Djoko when answering a question regarding the possibility of reducing exports to other neighboring countries.

This policy shows Indonesia's efforts to balance export obligations with domestic energy needs. On the other hand, Singapore is required to strengthen supply diversification so that dependence on one distribution channel does not disrupt its energy security.

In the future, the implementation of applicable commercial contracts and the management of gas supplies between the two countries will be a concern, amidst Indonesia's need to maintain national electricity supplies and Singapore's interest in maintaining energy stability.