Petronas may be able to contribute more than RM13b in dividends

KUALA LUMPUR: With crude oil prices rebounding, Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas) might be able pay more than RM13 billion in dividends to the government this year, said its chairman Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan.
Last year, second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani said based on the Brent crude oil price assumption of $45 per barrel, Petronas will be cutting its contribution by RM 3 billion this year, compared with its RM 16 billion contributions in 2016.
Brent crude oil price is trading at US$56.64 a barrel today.
"We will see when it happens. If things change it can be done," Mohd Sidek told reporters at the Economic Governance: Public Sector Governance forum organised by the Malaysian Economic Association( MEA).
"The government is a very responsible government, it has budgeted a certain amount," he added.
The oil company paid RM 26 billion in dividends to Putrajaya, in 2015.