The push to secure base load natural gas customers for the $US3.5 billion ($5.3 billion) Papua New Guinea to Queensland gas pipeline has intensified with a series of commitments expected to be signed with customers early next month.

PNG pipeline project chief executive, Dr John Powell, from Chevron Corp, said yesterday intense negotiations were underway with customers for up to 140 petajoules a year of gas, including Comalco Ltd.