BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 13. From January through November 2021, the United States shipped 49 percent of its LNG to countries in Asia, 27 percent to European Union (EU) countries and the United Kingdom, and 24 percent to other countries, Trend reports with reference to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).
However, from December 2021 through February 2022, 57 percent of U.S. LNG exports went to EU countries and the United Kingdom, averaging 5.6 Bcf/d in December, 7.0 Bcf/d in January, and 6.6 Bcf/d in February.
LNG swap prices in Europe remain high because of Europe’s increased demand for LNG amid supply uncertainties due to the situation in Ukraine. Europe’s LNG imports will remain high to replenish natural gas inventories, which were 26 percent full as of March 31, 2022, compared with the five-year average of 34 percent and last year’s level of 30 percent full.
Currently, 15 EU countries and the United Kingdom import LNG. Eleven of these countries account for 99 percent of Europe’s total LNG imports and import capacity. Utilization of LNG import capacity across these 11 countries was relatively high this winter, averaging 66 percent compared with 39 percent last winter. Regionally, the European natural gas pipeline grid is not fully integrated between its northern and southern parts. Some countries, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, act as transit countries, delivering natural gas to other parts of Northwest Europe. Other countries in Southern Europe, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece, have limited pipeline interconnectivity and, therefore, use LNG imports primarily for domestic consumption. Belgium, the Netherlands, and France averaged utilization of 88% this winter, while Spain, Portugal, Italy, and Greece averaged 58 percent.
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