US Allows Cameron LNG to Export to Non FTA Countries, Positive for Asian Buyers

In a move that could pave way for further LNG exports from US to Asian countries like India and Japan, the US Department of Energy (DOE) conditionally authorized Cameron LNG, a subsidiary of Sempra Energy, to export domestically produced fuel to countries that do not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US from the Cameron LNG Terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.  

The latest approval is the sixth non-FTA approval by the US since 2011. Big LNG buyers in Asia like India and Japan do not have FTA agreement with US. 

Subject to environmental review and final regulatory approval, the facility is conditionally authorized to export at a rate of up to the equivalent of 1.7 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of natural gas, for a period of 20 years, DOE said in a statement Tuesday.

India has been vying to source LNG from US. The two countries have agreed to hold their crucial energy dialogue next month. As per Indian media reports US energy secretary Ernest Moniz will visit New Delhi in the second week of March where matter of reliable supply of US LNG is likely to be discussed.

India is also looking to invest in the US LNG space and sees LNG imports from US as beneficial for both countries.  

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