ASEAN Gas Integration: A Case of Regional Disintegration

Abstract:In extant social science literature, there is a presumption that development is naturally associated with deepened regional economic integration. This, however, is an argument without foundation. In the case of natural gas in Southeast Asia, what has, in fact, occurred is a process of regional disintegration. Domestic supplies of natural gas in producing countries such as Myanmar, Malaysia and Indonesia are getting increasingly constrained, and pipeline supplies to neighbouring countries are expected to dwindle or cease altogether with supply contracts not being renewed. Grand visions of the Trans-ASEAN Gas Pipeline (TAGP), the region’s most ambitious mega project, have been made redundant by technological developments, market evolution and policy preferences among key regional governments. The concept of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading hubs, which has received significant attention in recent years, faces equally challenging hurdles. Developments in the past few years have made it apparent that the option to directly import LNG has become a preferred option among ASEAN member countries.