Global LNG Markets heading towards Supply Glut

  • 0
  • 3084
Font size:
Print

Global LNG Markets heading towards Supply Glut

Context:

According to the rating agency, ICRA India is expected to benefit from a global LNG supply glut, with prices likely to remain subdued due to significant capacity additions of about 193 MMT over the next four years. 

 

India’s LNG market and Government steps to boost market:

  • Fourth-Largest LNG Market: As of 2023, India is among the world’s top five LNG importers, with a current import capacity of approximately 48 million tons per year (MMTPA). This capacity is projected to increase to 66 MTPA by 2030.
  • Presently in India the share of natural gas in the energy basket is 6.7%. The Government has set a target to raise the share of natural gas in the energy mix to 15% in 2030.
  • To achieve this, the government has undertaken several initiatives:
    • National Gas Grid Expansion: 24,623 km of the grid is operational, with 10,860 km under construction.
    • City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network: Expansion to 300 geographical areas, targeting 12.50 crore PNG connections, 17,751 CNG stations, and 5.42 lakh inch-km pipelines by 2023.
    • LNG Terminals: Increasing capacity from 47.7 MMTPA to 66.7 MMTPA.
    • Boosting Domestic Production: A 20% increase in natural gas production from 28.7 BCM in 2020-21 to 34.45 BCM in 2022-23.
    • Indias is exploring LNG production possibilities at Khambhat Basin.
    • Reforms under the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) and 2019 policy reforms provide incentives like concessional royalty, relaxed approvals, and marketing and pricing freedom to encourage production.
    • Spot Market Reliance: India has increasingly turned to the spot market for LNG, especially when prices are favourable, contributing to fluctuations in the percentage shares of different suppliers.
  • According to the Draft LNG policy of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas the government aims to establish LNG terminals with a total regasification capacity of 70 MMTPA by 2030 and 100 MTPA by 2040.
    • LNG stations:The policy aims to establish 1000 LNG stations for ensuring availability of LNG for long haul , heavy duty trucks etc.
    • Promoting the adoption of LNG in green-field sectors where it is currently underutilised.0

Global LNG Markets heading towards Supply Glut

World LNG market:

  • Capacity Expansion: The global LNG sector is projected to add approximately 193 million metric tons (MMT) of capacity between 2024 and 2028
  • Three countries—the U.S., Australia and Qatar—produced three-fifths of the world’s LNG in 2023 .
  • Global LNG supply is at risk from disruptions at key maritime chokepoints. 
    • The Panama Canal saw reduced LNG transits in 2023-2024 due to El Niño, a problem likely to worsen with climate change. 
    • Additionally, attacks on vessels in the Red Sea have prompted shippers to avoid the Suez Canal.

China – Qatar LNG deals vs India – Qatar LNG deal Model:

China-Qatar LNG Deals:

  • Long-term Contracts: China secured a 27-year deal with Qatar for 4 million tons of LNG annually, ensuring supply until the 2050s.
  • Equity Stakes: Chinese companies like CNPC and Sinopec gained equity in Qatar’s North Field, securing supply and regional influence.
  • Pricing: Contracts are indexed to Brent crude, around $10 per MMBtu, ensuring long-term price stability.
  • Flexibility:The contracts allow for destination flexibility, enabling Chinese companies to resell LNG if necessary, which adds a layer of strategic advantage in managing supply and demand.
  • Geopolitical Strategy: These deals support China’s Belt and Road Initiative and reduce reliance on LNG from politically sensitive suppliers like Australia and the US.
    • Strategic Partnership: China’s rising influence in the Gulf, especially after brokering diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia, makes it an important partner for Qatar.
  • Shipbuilding cooperation: Qatar signed a $6 billion agreement with China State Shipbuilding Corp to build 18 LNG carriers, further strengthening the energy partnership.

 

India-Qatar LNG Deals

  • Existing short term Contracts: India’s Petronet LNG has a 7.5 million tons per year contract, expiring in 2028, crucial for 35% of India’s LNG imports.
  • Pricing: Indexed to Brent crude, similar to China, with ongoing negotiations for potentially better terms.
  • Flexibility: Indian contracts are moving towards greater flexibility in terms of delivery, while Chinese contracts already incorporate significant flexibility in managing supply.
  • Market Strategy: India aims to diversify its LNG sources to reduce reliance on Qatar, unlike China’s deeper ties.

Share:
Print
Apply What You've Learned.
Previous Post International Conference on the Life of Second Buddha
Next Post Codon Deoptimisation Technology
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x