“As minister of Electricity and Energy, I can’t sit idly by and do nothing, knowing that the country’s gas will run out in three years,” he told legislators during a heated debate in parliament on Monday.

In the case of hydropower plants, it would take eight to 10 years, before they can start running, he added.

U Maung Myint accused the minister of permitting firms to work on four LNG power projects without calling for bids.

The projects, worth US$5.18 billion (K20.61 trillion), are the biggest in the country.

The opposition legislator alleged that the company that bagged the deal is related to Finance and Planning Minister U Kyaw Win, who resigned after he was investigated by the Anti-Corruption Commission.

U Win Khaing said the projects are under a Public-Private Partnership agreement in the interests of the country.

He said that under the Electricity Law, the union government can issue permits for large-scale power projects to local and foreign investors.

U Win Khaing said these projects will not use government funds and will be carried out with 100 percent private investment.

“That is why there is no need to invite tenders. They were allowed according to the government’s decision,” he said.

At one point the debate became so heated that the microphone of the opposition legislator was switched off while he was talking.

The companies that were given permission to proceed with LNG power projects in January were Total Gas & Power Business Service S.A.S and SIEMENS A.G in Tanintharyi Region;  Zhefu Holding Co Ltd and Supreme Trading Co Ltd in Ayeyarwady Region; TTCL Public Co Ltd in Yangon Region; and Sinohydro Corp Ltd and Supreme Trading Co Ltd in Rakhine State.

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