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Territory companies say Montara spill company owes $2MThe Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce says the company responsible for the Montara Well oil spill owes an estimated $2 million to Northern Territory businesses.

Several Territory engineering and fabrication companies which did work for PTTEP Australasia before the spill, have told the Territory Chamber of Commerce they are owed a total of about $2 million by the company.

The Northern Territory Chamber of Commerce says the businesses supplied services to PTTEP Australasia in August, and they have not yet been paid.

The Chamber’s Chris Young said the debts might force job losses.

“Those companies are either going to find it very difficult to continue operating or if they are going to continue they are probably going to have cut costs in other ways,” Mr Young said.

“My major concern is that usually if a company finds itself in financial difficulties one of the first things it does is it lets go staff, either tradesman or if it has apprentices it will let go their apprentices, because that is one way they can save costs.”

The Chamber said the companies hoped to recoup their costs or negotiate payment plans.

A spokesman for PTTEP said negotiations with suppliers were taking place, and all valid accounts owing are being paid without delay.