PTT plans to rebalance investment blueprint

PTT plans to rebalance investment blueprint

PTT Plc, Thailand's energy giant, will review its five-year investment plan to suit the changing global economy.

Chief financial offer Surong Bulakul said the review will be proposed at an executive meeting next month.

"We revise the plan every six months to keep current," said Mr Surong.

In April it approved a five-year capital expenditure of 368 billion baht through 2017 excluding mergers and acquisitions.

PTT also plans to issue debentures and/or borrow 250 billion baht over the same period.

Mr Surong said the slowdown of the Chinese economy and other large economies will be taken into account, but the overall investment budget may not change, although some projects may be delayed if consumption dips.

"Projects in countries where domestic consumption flags may require a re-evaluation of the investment plan to ensure we invest at a time that generates the highest returns on investment," said Mr Surong.

Sources of funding is another major factor to be considered since even though the company is financially secure, global liquidity will be affected if the US cuts its monetary injections.

The company is not that worried about the effect on energy prices caused by uncertainties in the Middle East, as Opec's influence is muted by natural gas discoveries in North America, he said.

Mr Surong expects oil prices to remain at about US$100 a barrel, in line with current supply and demand.

Shares of PTT closed yesterday on the SET at 342 baht, up three baht, in trade worth 982 million baht.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT