LNG

Jan 22 (LNGJ) - As part of the deregulation of the natural gas, LNG and power sectors in Japan, the cargo importer and utility Chubu Electric Power Co. and LNG project developer Inpex Corp. have entered joint business agreements with nine city-gas companies in the Tokyo metropolitan area. The accords are based on the roll out of a joint plan involving city-gas companies that supply natural gas procured from Inpex, developer of the Ichthys LNG project in Australia and the Abadi Floating LNG venture offshore Indonesia. "Inpex and Chubu Electric continue to be committed to flexibly responding to customers' energy needs ahead of the liberalization of the retail electricity and gas markets," the companies said. Chubu is also cooperating in a joint company with Tokyo Electric Power Co.