The PNG Government and Minister Pok, in particular, are riding a...

The PNG Government and Minister Pok, in particular, are riding a populist wave of negative sentiment towards the PNG LNG project based on a shortfall of expected revenue. Pok's time is up when his cowboy behaviour is seen as slowing or stopping development, especially electrification of the Western Province. That time will come and every step that Horizon takes towards commercialisation of Stanley brings it closer. The Australian Government is throwing billions at PNG electrification and that also brings forward the time when Pok is seen as obstructive. Also, not a good look to get billions from Oz taxpayers and then shaft an Oz company.
We have Repsol at our side (in many ways this is a dispute between the PNG Govt and Repsol). Repsol is a global company with a 'take no prisoners' reputation. They won't allow any tinpot country to set a precedent of grabbing their resources. Repsol has a revenue of more than 40 billion EUR, far greater than PNGs. Repsol has an in-house specialised legal team par excellence that is more than a match for PNGs.
So time isn't on PNG's side, Horizon and Repsol will hold them off while working towards commercialisation. The pressure will soon be on Pok.