With the high probability that William Duma will be in a position to torment InterOil (no surprises coming in the major ministries) IF he so choses, all current IOC holders AND company management are in for a reality check in the coming days.
The first public comments out of Duma's mouth on the Gulf LNG project are likely to strongly affect the perception of what is likely to happen going forward -- at least in the short run.
We all should sincerely hope that various comments that have emanated from InterOil management to the effect that they can work with anybody in PNG are borne out, because things could well be quite surly between a retained Duma and XOM (remember the scathing indictments of DPE and Duma), if Duma exercises new powers.
Before we hear another word about O'Neill's ability to control Duma, et al, due to his smashing election, please get realistic. Have all these politicians REALLY changed their stripes and ceded all their "flexibility" to O'Neill's supposed "support" for the Gulf LNG project. So far, all we've heard are words -- talk. Let's see the deeds. Let's see what they DO vs. what they say.
Await William Duma's first statements on the Gulf LNG project with great anticipation.
Following that, InterOil will have the "opportunity" to put forth their allegedly already chosen SM operator and SD candidates for DPE/NEC approval -- and gain gov't approval of the already announced PRE farm-out.
Smooth sailing ahead? Wanna' bet?
Connect the dots.
VS
PS There's going to be an initial stock market reaction to the Duma news. It is likely to be a "buying opportunity."
PPS What kind of "happy face" will IOC present in the upcoming 2Q CC?