Lithuania to Pick LNG Supplier from Three Chosen Bids

Three undisclosed names of major LNG suppliers are to be submitted to the Lithuanian Government this week before a winner is decided upon.

“We are literally sealing the envelope with the names and plan handing it to Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius on Thursday, May 22,” Ernesta Dapkiene, director of Corporate Communication at state-controlled gas company Lietuvos Dujos (LitGas) told Natural Gas Europe.

There were as many 15 bidders in total, she said, but thorough scrutiny left only three.

“Obviously, many criteria have been taken into account- certainly, price as well-in picking up the most real winners,” she added.

Dapkiene did not elaborate however where the chosen candidates come from.

“It is still a secret to be disclosed in the coming days,” she insisted.

Once the Government decides on the winner, negotiations will be started with it thereafter.

“We see it to be a smooth thing. In fact, we expect to have contract signed by July 1. I don’t see why the date could be pushed forward,” Dominykas Tuckus, LitGas director general told Natural Gas Europe.

What yet remains to be done he called “mere few formalities” preceding a contract signing.

The Government is also expected to pass some last resolutions after it announces the winner.

“A final decision on the LNG supplier will be made in the near future. We have to pass certain government resolutions next week, but in fact, several suppliers were presented and it was said which of the suppliers was the most favorable for Litgas. I can say with confidence that this position was approved,” Butkevicius told Lithuanian State Radio last Tuesday. “We expect that contract to be signed by July 1,” he added.