Readers downstream of Rigzone have paid considerable attention to last week’s articles focusing on signs of improving fortunes for players in the global crude oil and LNG markets. However, readers have also shown interest in another recent article detailing a place that appears to want less of a major energy product. Read on for more details.
The great comeback of American LNG
Like others in the US oil and gas industry, LNG exporters have had to contend with low prices and weak demand this year. However, as this article by Rigzone contributor Jude Clemente points out, the market for LNG from US export terminals has improved. In fact, he observes that demand has entered record territory in recent weeks. While there has been an increase in traditional Asian demand centers, Clemente also discusses how American producers and shippers can make further inroads into the European market.
San Francisco imposes natural gas ban
California has long been the source of remarkable public policy ideas, and readers downstream of Rigzone have taken note of recent actions taken by the San Francisco Supervisory Board. Specifically, the council passed an ordinance banning the use of natural gas in new buildings from June 2021, according to this Bloomberg article. A sponsor of the ordinance quoted in the news argues that the ban covers “major risks to health and safety” and contributes to the fight against greenhouse gas emissions. The news agency also notes that the utility PG&E Corp., which supplies San Francisco with natural gas and electricity, supports the measure. It does not, however, mention the challenges that California has faced in maintaining a stable power supply.
The ongoing oil auction war between Asian refiners
Thanks to growing demand from refiners and traders in countries like China, India and South Korea, physical crude oil shipments are commanding higher prices, according to this Bloomberg article. The press service pointed out that a bidding war is underway for crude supplies from Russia, the United States and the Middle East. He attributes the stronger market conditions to factors such as the easing of Chinese import quotas, below-normal supplies from OPEC producers and a rebound in oil consumption in India.
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