PTT Public Company Limited plans to import an extra 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes of LNG in April 2013 to help cover a gas shortage when the Yadana field in Myanmar closes for maintenance from April 5 to April 14, 2013. Typically, the company buys 60,000–70,000 tonnes each month. However, it intends to import double that amount in April 2013, as electricity demand is expected to peak during the first two weeks of April. The maintenance work in Myanmar will lead to a drop of 32 mmcm per day in gas supply to Thailand, Thai authorities have forewarned that this development could cause power cuts in some areas. Thailand relies on natural gas to generate 70 per cent of its electricity.
