The global LNG shortage has worsened, with the number of empty ships waiting to unload from Qatar, the world's top exporter, to the highest level in nearly a year.
As many as 21 LNG carriers are currently awaiting shipments off the coast of Qatar, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Analysts at Bloomberg New Energy Finance (NEF) pointed to the recent surge in empty ships waiting to be loaded, raising concerns that in the past few more than 20 vessels were waiting to be loaded at Qatari ports.
Bloomberg analysts believe there could be several reasons for the surge in empty ships, such as a technical problem at an LNG processing plant or upstream facilities reducing production, or Qatargas changing its maintenance schedule, but in this case it should be There won't be so many ships lined up to load because buyers are notified in advance.
Qatar’s LNG exports in February were well below the average for the same period over the past five years, and total LNG exports in March were estimated at 6.5 million tonnes, also lower than the same period in the previous two years.
The LNG ships have sailed back to Qatar after unloading in China, Japan, India and Italy, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Typically, Qatar ships most of its LNG to Asian markets at this time of year, so Pacific buyers will be more sensitive to any supply disruption than Atlantic buyers.
Qatargas has yet to comment. Energy data provider Kayrros said Qatar Gas' No. 6 LNG liquefaction and purification plant was closed for more than a month before reopening on March 20.
Global LNG shortages intensify as Qatar exports dwindle and buyers in Asia and Europe try to find alternative sources of LNG outside of Russia, tightening the market and any supply disruption or production cuts will push up spot LNG prices.
Qatar Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabi said Qatar will continue to supply LNG to Europe and will not transfer LNG to other customers. Still, he refused to impose sanctions on Russia, reiterating that a complete ban on Russian gas supplies to Europe was "practically impossible". Qatar supplies LNG to some European countries in the form of convertible contracts.
