India’s LNG imports up in July

India’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased in July after two straight monthly declines, according to the latest data from oil ministry’s Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC).

India imported 2.09 billion cubic meters of LNG or about 1.59 million mt last month, a rise of 6.8 percent as compared to July 2016.

The costs of these imports were at $0.5 billion, the PPAC data shows.

Domestic natural gas production continued to rise in July. India’s natural gas production increased 5.7 percent to 2.85 Bcm, PPAC said.

In the April-July period, India imported 8.02 Bcm of LNG, down 2.2 percent on year.

India’s appetite for LNG is expected to surge over the coming years driven by the demand in the gas-to-power sector and a push by the government to increase the usage of gas in the country’s overall energy mix.

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