FT: tankers transporting LNG to Asia urgently change course due to rising gas prices in Europe

 Cargo ships carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Asia urgently change course to Europe in the middle of the voyage, writes the Financial Times (FT). The fact is that European consumers are willing to pay more for fuel — on December 22, the spot price of gas in Europe rose to a new high, reaching $ 2,187 per thousand cubic meters.

Alex Frawley, a specialist at the ICIS analytical company, said that two American tankers that had previously been heading to Asia had already set course for European ports. In addition, Australia will supply LNG to Europe for the first time since 2009. "The European gas market just broke through. LNG prices in any market in the world are now lower than at the main European sites," said Kieran Rowe, an expert from the Platts business news agency.

"The pricing policy in Europe is clearly aimed at attracting a large volume of LNG, and it needs it. Without these [supplies], the situation can become very serious depending on the weather. Stocks are already at a low level, and by the end of winter they may drop to exceptionally low," commented Torbjorn Tornqvist, head of global trader at Gunvor. According to him, the region will receive 15-20 LNG cargoes in December 2021 and January 2022.

Despite the crisis situation in Europe, one of its main gas suppliers, Gazprom, has suspended pumping fuel to the region. The company has not booked the capacity of the Yamal—Europe pipeline for December 22, this is the second day in a row. The decision of the Russian company caused a sharp rise in the price of gas on December 21-22.