NGC reports $191 million profit for first three months

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Days after reporting a $2.1 billion loss last year, the National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (NGC) and its subsidiaries announced a “solid financial performance” in the first quarter of this year.

In its summary consolidated financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2021, the group announced an unaudited after-tax profit of $191 million.

This was $31 million more when compared to the first quarter of 2020.

NGC explained that the $2.1 billion loss last year included provisions for exceptional items which totalled $4.2 billion that was specific to 2020 and should not impact the organisation in the future.

“Group revenues stood higher at $4.5B, compared to $3.2B for the same period in 2020. These improved margins were driven by a rebound in commodity prices after the market challenges of 2020. They also reflect the resilience of The NGC Group, and its unrelenting drive to succeed as an integrated global energy player,” a release from NGC stated.

“Already this year, important work was progressed and milestones achieved that will continue to bolster performance and growth for 2021 and beyond. In the first quarter, NGC executed a new gas supply contract with Tringen whilst negotiations continued with Methanol Holdings (Trinidad) Limited towards execution of a long-term gas sales contract. It was also announced that the Ruby field, in which NGC holds a 31.5 per cent interest, would commence production in May 2021, six months ahead of schedule. This project will support the stabilisation of supply over the next few years,” it stated.

NGC said that “perhaps most important to the future sustainability of the group” are steps taken to transform the business for operation in a clean energy landscape.

“Through investments and partnerships with other industry stakeholders and academia, the group entered the solar energy and green hydrogen space. Carbon neutrality was made a front-burner operational goal, with an intensified focus on methane,” it stated.

“Satellite monitoring and an infrared camera were integrated to enhance leak detection, while NGC’s membership in the Oil and Gas Methane Partnership (OGMP) opened opportunities for collaboration in methane management with companies across the world. In the background, deployment of technology solutions and staff training continued to build organisational capacity and lay a secure foundation for future growth.”

NGC’s Chairman Conrad Enill said “The NGC Group continues to exemplify the appetite for success, the enterprising spirit and the operational excellence of a flagship state entity. The Group’s performance in the first quarter of 2021 set the stage for continued improvement as markets settle and new projects are progressed. Above all, through the ambitious strategic goals that are currently being implemented, the group continues to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, and the industry we serve.”