Indian Feb LNG Imports Dip

India’s LNG imports in February dipped year on year after showing a sharp jump in January, according to data published March 20 by the Indian oil ministry's Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell.

India imported LNG equivalent to 2.11bn m³ of pipeline gas, down 1% year on February 2017. Cumulative LNG imports from April-February were 23.9bn m³, up by more than 6% year on year. In January, India imported 2.41bn m³ of LNG, up 46.7% year on year. 

India has four operating LNG terminals: Dahej, Hazira, Dhabol and Kochi. According to a document released by the oil ministry June 3, 2016, India’s LNG terminal capacity could more than double by 2022 as existing terminals expand and new ones are commissioned. Qatar is the largest LNG supplier to India; however other suppliers including notably US ones have contracted to supply there.

Earlier this month, Cheniere Energy and Gail kicked off their 20-year deal at a flagging-off ceremony at Sabine Pass, Louisiana. The US company will supply about 3.5mn mt/yr of LNG to India’s biggest gas marketing firm under a deal signed December 2011.