Facts:
PNG LNG economics are the best of any LNG project in the region (even with Hides gas costs which are 11x E/A gas costs), ROI 18%
PNG LNG expansion ROI 33+% (If E/A gas is used ROI's will be much higher)
Hides fields need further appraisal to determine resource upside. (Safe bet XOM does not count on Hides for expansion)
P'nyang fields are not in the PNG LNG project and gas agreements and unitisation agreement between existing project partners.
PNG LNG project partners cannot deny E/A gas to PNG LNG expansion. PNG LNG partners can decide to not participate in the expansion, but that makes no sense.
PNG LNG expansion based upon existing infrastructure provides best speed to market and expansion economics are better than greenfield Gulf LNG and there is no construction delays for PNG workforce which Gov't needs to keep working.
IOC/XOM/Gov't mutual best interests economically, timing and jobs are best servd by striking the PRL15 SPA.