US LPG exports: Fluctuating volumes to Europe and Asia

In April, US LPG exports fell, mainly impacting Europe and North Africa.
Exportations LPG US Europe Asie

Partagez:

The latest data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea reveal that US LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) exports fell to 762.800 mt on April 19, compared with 1.1 million mt in March. Cargoes were mainly destined for the Netherlands (298,000 mt), Morocco (163,000 mt), Belgium (66,300 mt), Turkey (93,100 mt) and Egypt (97,700 mt).

Composition and price of exported LPG

Of this total, propane accounts for 568,800 mt and butane for 194,000 mt. Prices assessed by Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, on April 18 were $442.64/mt for US Gulf Coast FOB propane, down $4.59, and $506.75/mt for CIF NWE propane, down $9. FOB US Gulf Coast butane was at $417.33/mt, also down $4.59, while CIF NWE butane cost $492/mt, after a $12.75 fall.

Economic impact and arbitrage

The arbitrage economy in Europe remains tight for propane, which is not conducive to attracting additional volumes despite weak demand. In Asia, conditions are more favorable, increasing flows from the United States. VLGC freight rates from Houston to Northwest Europe were $65/mt on April 18, down $3 per week, while those to Morocco fell from $2.50 to $61.75/mt.

Arbitrage conditions for butane between Mont Belvieu, Texas, and Northeast Asia have improved, driven by lower prices at Mont Belvieu and reduced freight costs from Houston to Chiba, near Tokyo. Butane prices in Asia remain high, underpinning robust arbitrage conditions. One butane trader expects more incoming cargoes as “there seems to be enough volume in the market.”

Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.
TotalEnergies and QatarEnergy have won the Ahara exploration licence, marking a new stage in their partnership with SONATRACH on a vast area located between Berkine and Illizi.
After four years of interruption due to regional insecurity, TotalEnergies announces the upcoming resumption of its liquefied natural gas project in Mozambique, representing a $20bn investment.
The French group has acquired from PETRONAS stakes in several licences covering more than 100,000 km² off Malaysia and Indonesia, consolidating its Asian presence and its exposure to the liquefied natural gas market.
In response to rising summer electricity consumption, Egypt signs import agreements covering 290 shipments of liquefied natural gas, involving major international firms, with financial terms adjusted to the country’s economic constraints.
Egyptian fertilizer producers suspended their activities due to reduced imports of Israeli gas, following recent production halts at Israel's Leviathan and Karish gas fields after Israeli strikes in Iran.
A report identifies 130 gas power plant projects in Texas that could raise emissions to 115 million tonnes per year, despite analysts forecasting limited short-term realisation.
Japanese giant JERA will significantly increase its reliance on US liquefied natural gas through major new contracts, reaching 30% of its supplies within roughly ten years.
Sustained growth in U.S. liquefied natural gas exports is leading to significant price increases projected for 2025 and 2026, as supply struggles to keep pace with steadily rising demand, according to recent forecasts.