PNG to buy RI asphalt

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Papua New Guinea will import asphalt from Indonesia through the state oil and gas company Pertamina's units in Jayapura.

The head of the Jayapura unit of Pertamina R.A. Hadipurwanto said here Friday that the neighboring country would import the asphalt through several local companies including Hebou Construction, Shorncliffe Bitumen and Civil Engineering Construction and Papindo Trading Company Ltd.

According to him, the three companies plan to construct an airfield and roads with each of them requiring 2,000 tons of asphalt.

The three companies have chosen asphalt from Indonesia due to its competitive price.

However, he added, no contracts have been made since the price, in U.S. dollars, has yet to be set. (34/03)