India's September LNG imports jump

India’s September LNG imports jump

India's September LNG imports jump
Image courtesy of Indian Oil LNG

Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) into India rose in September when compared to the corresponding month in 2018. 

Image courtesy of Indian Oil LNG

Data from the oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) shows that 2.73 billion cubic meters have been imported during the month under review. This is a 4.9 percent increase over the corresponding month the previous year.

The cumulative imports for the fiscal year (April-September) so far have reached 16.27 billion cubic meters, 7.9 percent above the volumes imported in the corresponding period last year.

The cost of LNG imports was at $10.3 billion for the year so far, with the volumes reaching $28.74 billion cubic meters. This is an increase of 27.1 percent in regards to the earnings and a 4.74 percent increase in terms of volume for the year so far.

For the month of September, the cost reached $0.8 billion, a 20 percent drop, compared to September 2018. For the fiscal year, the cost of imports reached $4.7 billion, also 20 percent below the costs reported in the corresponding period last year.

Ministry’s data shows that Petronet LNG’s Dahej terminal once again operated above full capacity utilization. Namely, the terminal operated at 110.6 percent capacity utilization during the fiscal year so far with Hazira LNG terminal operating at 99.3 percent capacity utilization.

Kochi and Dabhol LNG terminals operated at 15.6 and 3.3 percent capacity utilization, respectively.

Ennore LNG terminal is the new addition to the list with the facility operating at 3.8 percent utilization capacity during the month under review.