Liquefied natural gas prices on the spot market are moving higher as demand picks up seasonally and Asian importers are souring on the fuel. European buyers are stepping up purchases, however, despite the price. They have no choice. Asian demand for liquefied gas is set to decline this month—and over the year—according to analysts.
September flows of LNG into Asian countries are estimated at 20.09 million tons by Kpler, which would be down from 22.27 million tons a year ago, and 22.25 million tons a month ago, Reuters’ Clyde Russell…
LNG Market Background
The global LNG market has undergone a structural transformation in recent years, with U.S. exports reshaping trade flows and providing consuming nations with greater supply optionality. European buyers have accelerated long-term LNG contracting following the disruption of Russian pipeline gas supplies.
New LNG liquefaction capacity — from the U.S. Gulf Coast, Qatar's North Field expansion, and Australian projects — is expected to add significant supply volumes through the late 2020s, with implications for long-term contract pricing and spot market dynamics.
What to Watch
Stakeholders will be tracking spot LNG cargo pricing in Asian and European markets, liquefaction plant utilization rates, and upcoming long-term supply contract negotiations as global LNG trade flows continue to evolve.
Read original article at OilPrice.com