JAKARTA (Yosefardi) – State gas distributor PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) Tbk (PGAS) mulls to expand to other countries after acquiring shale gas block in the United States.

It had acquired 36% working interest of shale gas block in Fasken, Eagle Ford, Houston, Texas, United States for US$175 million, equivalent Rp2 trillion.

PGN opts to expand its business overseas for seeking gas supply for local industry sector.

PGN has paid debt of US$700 million in first half of this year. Its outstanding debt amounts US$1.8 billion.