LNG Could Keep UK Gas Market Well Supplied

KIM PAGE, Wellington West Capital Markets (04/21/2009)
United Kingdom

Three new LNG tankers have arrived at two of the United Kingdom's LNG receiving terminals, which are expected to boost supplies over the next week. Comment – The UK is viewed as a likely destination for excess LNG cargoes with the global economic slowdown impacting demand for LNG.

European Union

EU Energy Commissioner Andris Piebalgs maintained his confidence that Ukraine and Russia will continue their work towards avoiding future gas supply disruptions to Europe. Comment – Many European nations were severely impacted by the Russia-Ukraine gas dispute in January.

Indonesia

Indonesia's government is expected to announce plans next month to offer at least 24 new oil and gas working areas in three separate regions of the country. Comment – Indonesia is keen to raise oil production, which has fallen more than 30% since 2000.

Iran

Iran's OPEC Governor Mohammad Ali Khatibi indicated that OPEC may decide to trim oil output further if the oil market remains oversupplied when the cartel meets on May 28. Comments – OPEC has trimmed their production quota by 4.2 mmbopd since September.

Nigeria

Nigerian militants attacked an oil tanker off the Niger Delta coast earlier this morning and kidnapped the chief engineer and captain of the ship. Comment – Violence remains high in Nigeria after last week's threat by Mend to start a civil war if their militant camps are attacked.

Russia

Russia and China have inked a US$25B deal that is expected to see Russia supply China with oil for 20 years in exchange for loans to state-run Transneft and Rosneft. Comment – Russia is keen to diversify their oil supplies away from the West and views China as a main market.

Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is set to host a high-profile energy conference this week, which could spur talks between Europe and Russia as the two nations are both keen to secure Turkmen gas. Comment – Turkmenistan currently sells most of their gas to Gazprom but has displayed a willingness to transport gas directly to Europe as new gas fields are developed.

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