India’s LNG imports rise in April YoY

India’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) continued its rising trend during the month of April, according to the latest data from oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).

The monthly LNG imports increased 1.9 percent in April when compared with April last year. India imported 2.18 billion cubic meters of LNG or about 1.61 million mt.

India’s LNG imports increased for a third straight month after a decline in January and December, respectively.

Domestic natural gas production rose 1.8 percent in April to 2.53 Bcm, the PPAC data shows.

To remind, India’s LNG imports in the April-March period increased 15.5 percent year-on-year to 24.6 Bcm or about 18.2 million mt of LNG. LNG imports during the fiscal year to March were the highest in the last four years, PPAC said.

India’s LNG imports have been rising since the beginning of last year on the back of lower prices after the country’s largest importer, Petronet LNG signed a revised long-term contract with Qatari LNG producer RasGas.

India paid $0.6 billion for April LNG imports, PPAC said.

The country currently imports LNG via Petronet’s Dahej and Kochi LNG terminals, Shell’s Hazira plant, and the Dabhol terminal operated by Ratnagiri Gas and Power.

LNG World News Staff