Two subsidiaries of Petronas, Malaysia LNG (MLNG) and MLNG Tiga, have signed separate deals with Tokyo Electric Power and Tokyo Gas with annual tonnages more than double the much-heralded China deal secured by the NWS last year.

It is understood MLNG won a $US20 billion contract to supply the two Japanese utilities with 7.5 million tonnes of LNG over 15 years. The contract, which begins next month, comes with a five-year option.

In the second contract, MLNG Tiga secured a one-year deal to supply Tokyo Electric Power with up to 540,000 tonnes per annum. The contract, also beginning next month, may be extended.

Korea Gas Corporation, another key importer of Australian LNG, has confirmed that it is negotiating with MLNG to buy 10.5 tonnes of LNG over seven years.