1 week ago
India LNG Prices Rise Above $23 Amid Iran Supply Disruptions
LNG is a fuel that India imports for factories and fertilizer production.
Some Indian companies recently paid more than $23 for a unit of LNG.
This is one of the highest spot-market prices India has paid since 2022.
Supplies became harder to obtain after Iranian attacks reportedly damaged Qatar’s LNG export facilities.
Ships are also having trouble moving through the Strait of Hormuz.
European buyers are competing with Indian companies for the same fuel.
That competition is helping push prices higher.
More expensive LNG could make it costlier for Indian industries to operate.
GAIL India reportedly paid more than $23 per MMBtu for an LNG cargo scheduled for September.
Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation reportedly paid in the mid-$23 range for a similar September cargo.
The reported prices are among India’s highest spot LNG prices since 2022.
Iranian attacks reportedly damaged Qatar’s LNG export infrastructure in March, while shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains difficult.
Indian buyers are competing with European importers as European gas prices reach a five-month high, increasing costs for industries such as fertilizer production.
- Who
- Indian energy companies, including GAIL India, Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation, and Bharat Petroleum Corporation, are buying LNG while European importers compete for cargoes.
- What
- Indian buyers have reportedly paid more than $23 per million British thermal units for spot LNG cargoes.
- Where
- The supply disruption involves Qatar’s LNG export infrastructure and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting the Indian and European markets.
- When
- The reported purchases involve cargoes scheduled for September; Bharat Petroleum Corporation reportedly agreed to another spot cargo this week. The attacks on Qatar’s infrastructure were reported to have occurred in March.
- Why
- Iran-related attacks, shipping difficulties, and competition from European buyers have reduced available supplies and increased demand for spot LNG.
Key facts
- GAIL India purchase
- More than $23 per MMBtu for a cargo scheduled for September
- Gujarat State Petroleum purchase
- In the mid-$23 per MMBtu range for a similar September cargo
- Price comparison
- Reportedly among India’s most expensive spot LNG cargoes since 2022
- Traditional supplier
- India typically obtains LNG through long-term contracts, particularly with Qatar
- Supply disruption
- Iranian attacks reportedly damaged Qatar’s LNG export infrastructure in March
- Shipping constraint
- Ships continue to face difficulties passing through the Strait of Hormuz
- Additional purchase
- Bharat Petroleum Corporation reportedly agreed to buy another spot LNG cargo, but its price was not disclosed
- Potential impact
- Higher LNG costs could put pressure on Indian industries, especially fertilizer producers
Sources
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