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United States LNG exports to Europe surge in November on higher costs

U.S. LNG exports to Europe surged in November as the world's largest manufacturer of the superchilled gas sent out more cargoes to the continent and fewer to Asia and Latin America, according to initial data from monetary firm LSEG.

European natural gas rates climbed in November to their highest levels in 2 years on fears remaining Russian pipeline supplies to Europe will be halted or deal with more curtailment.

European gas costs balanced $12.90 per mmbtu in November, more than a dollar higher than $11.79 in October and greater than $12.32 in September, with the benchmark front-month agreement at the Dutch TTF hub reaching 49.03 euros per megawatt hour on Nov. 22, equivalent to $14.97 per million British thermal systems (mmBtu).

The United States is the world's largest LNG exporter and played a significant function in 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine resulted in sharp reductions in Europe's access to Russian gas imports.

Almost seven of every 10 U.S. LNG cargoes headed to Europe in November as LNG exports increased to more than 7.75 million metric lots (MT), up from 7.56 MT in October, with cooler weather favoring greater output, according to LSEG information.

Exports to Europe reached 5.09 MT in November or 68% of total LNG exports, up from 3.65 MT, or just under 48% of overall exports recorded in October. Asia represented about a fifth of overall exports, according to LSEG data.

The U.K. was a significant player in the market, purchasing.81 MT, or one in every 7 freights sold to the continent, according to LSEG data.

With the arbitrage preferring Europe, U.S. LNG exports to Asia was up to 1.64 MT or 21% of total exports in November, from 2.67 MT or 35% in October, LSEG information showed.

There were less U.S. LNG cargoes destined for Latin America in November with just.58 MT offered to the U.S. next-door neighbors in November, down from.9 MT in October, LSEG data revealed.

There were 3 freights sent to Egypt for an overall of.23 MT. and 3 cargoes for a total.21 MT that were for orders with. no set destination as of Nov. 30.

U.S. producers have been ramping up output as the weather. cools with top exporter Cheniere Energy blazing a trail. On Monday, Cheniere was expected to pull over 5 billion cubic. feet (bcf) of natural gas for the 5th time in seven days at. its Sabine Pass, Louisiana, export plant, according to LSEG. data.

Total U.S. LNG gas demand balanced 13.65 bcf per. day in November and could have been greater had the. second-largest U.S. LNG exporter, Freeport LNG, not experience. numerous blackouts in November, LSEG data revealed.

With the United States expecting very first LNG in December from. Endeavor Global's 20 MTPA Plaquemines LNG plant in Louisiana and. Cheniere's 10 MTPA midscale expansion task, also in the. Pelican state, this month might challenge the U.S. all-time. record LNG production.

(source: Reuters)