US LNG exports hit record in November

During the summer of 2020, monthly exports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States were the lowest in 26 months, but have since increased, and in November, estimated LNG exports exceeded the previous record set in January of 2020.

In December 2020, as part of its Short-Term Energy Outlook, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimated that exports of liquefied natural gas from the United States in November reached 9.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d), which was 93% of the maximum utilization of the liquefied natural gas export capacity.

Several factors contributed to the increase in these liquefied natural gas exports in recent months.

LNG

International prices for natural gas and liquefied natural gas escalated in Asia and Europe, as global demand for natural gas increased after Covid-19 restrictions were eased and global LNG supply fell due to unplanned power outages. liquefied natural gas export facilities in Australia, Malaysia, Qatar, Norway, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

Additionally, 2.7 Bcf/d of new U.S. liquefied natural gas export capacity was added in 2020, and several hurricane-hit U.S. liquefied natural gas terminals and annual maintenance have resumed gas shipments.