NGS’ NG/LNG SNAPSHOT May 1-15, 2026
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City Gas Distribution & Auto LPG
Tiswadi colonies told to switch to PNG in 90 days
Panaji: Goa Natural Gas Pvt Ltd (GNGPL) has started writing to housing colonies in Tiswadi that have been connected to the piped natural gas (PNG) network, urging them to shift remaining flats to PNG connections within 90 days.
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“It is important to note that in case customers do not avail PNG connections within the prescribed period, the LPG cylinder supply will be withdrawn by the respective distributors or vendors as per said regulatory guidelines,” said GNGPL chief executive officer (CEO) S Barathy.
“Encourage and coordinate with residents to apply for PNG connections at the earliest. Facilitate smooth transition from LPG to PNG for all pending households,” said GNGPL in the written communications.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board has issued directives regarding PNG connections for domestic customers. To address apprehensions, GNGPL has told customers that PNG gas offers a safer, continuous and more convenient fuel supply.
However, many societies have pointed out that GNGPL teams that come to install gas pipelines, end up damaging water pipelines, drains and roads. At some colonies, where heavy earth machinery was deployed to dig trenches for gas lines, GNGPL did not send any supervisor or plumber.
In March, chief secretary V Candavelou urged GNGPL and Indian Oil Adani to accelerate adoption of PNG in Ponda, Tiswadi, Mormugao and Salcete. He urged the two agencies to ramp up the installation of PNG domestic meters with a target of ensuring that all residents of 100 gasified housing societies switch over to PNG.
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60 new CNG stations to come up this year
Jaipur: Chairing a meeting of the Rajasthan State Gas Board, additional chief secretary (Mines & Petroleum) Aparna Arora Tuesday announced that 60 new CNG stations will be established in the state this financial year.
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Rajasthan State Gas MD Vinay Patni assured that the targets would be met on schedule, adding that GAIL Gas’s experience in operating DPNG-CNG networks will soon be shared with Jaipur’s CGD operators.
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Piped natural gas to roll out in Shillong by 2027
SHILLONG, May 3: Piped Natural Gas (PNG)—a safe, eco-friendly, and cost-effective fuel primarily composed of methane—will likely reach Shillong households and businesses by next year via underground pipelines.
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Given Shillong’s hilly terrain and low awareness, the CGD/PNG entity targets covering over 10% of the city’s population in five years, benefiting around 50,000 families and 15,000 households.
The initiative ties into the Vision Document’s Gas Grid Project, linking the eight northeastern states to the National Gas Grid via the Barauni-Guwahati pipeline. From Guwahati, it extends to Numaligarh, Dimapur, Kohima, Imphal; Shillong, Silchar, Aizawl, Agartala; and Itanagar.
Indradhanush Gas Grid Limited (IGGL) has begun surveys in Shillong.
Extending the Northeast Gas Subsidy Scheme to Meghalaya will aid ferro alloy industries in Byrnihat and cement units in Jowai, cutting pollution. High electricity costs currently push industries out of state, but subsidised piped gas could retain jobs, boost PNG VAT and industrial tax revenues.
Industries in Byrnihat alone consume 500 MT/day of coal, FO, diesel, and husks. State figures show 6.5 lakh households, with about 2 lakh still relying on firewood, coal, or kerosene.
https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/04/piped-natural-gas-to-roll-out-in-shillong-by-2027/
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AP Pushing 10 Lakh PNG Connections for Households an Uphill Task
Andhra Pradesh government may face an uphill task in its attempt to issue 10 lakh piped natural gas (PNG) connections in the next six months. The endeavour will require it to source the natural gas and from there lay trunk pipelines for transport of gas to the gas distribution entities of the targeted cities.
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As of March 2026, AP has 66,892 PNG connections. It has added about 2,000 connections during April, though a pipeline network has already been laid for providing total 1.7 lakh connections. Meters will have to be fitted once PNG supply starts for the 1.7 lakh households.
In the interim, the five city gas distribution entities have come up with a revised capital expenditure ₹760 crore for expansion of PNG supply. Further, the Civil Supplies department has issued a GO on April 10 to pay ₹2,400 per annum directly to beneficiaries of Deepam 2.0 once they switch over the PNG from the three LPG cylinders, which are currently being supplied to them free of cost per annum. The Deepam households will have to surrender their LPG connections once they convert to PNG.
With Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu fixing the target of providing 10 lakh PNG connections in six months, district collectors, district Civil Supplies officers, employees of Swarna Gram and Swarna Ward department and the city gas distribution entities are publicising the PNG supply in an aggressive manner.
However, with the LPG crisis easing a bit with availability of both domestic and commercial cylinders, consumers are not coming forward to convert their connections to PNG. This is posing a big challenge to the state government, which maintains that PNG is safer and cheaper when compared with LPG. As PNG connections are non-transferable, given the establishment of infrastructure, tenants have to get permission from owners of their houses to avail the PNG connection. But there is no certainty on how long the tenant will stay in the same house. There is hesitation among tenants about switching over to PNG, because they can carry their LPG cylinder once they vacate the house. PNG supply is aimed at domestic, commercial and industrial consumers. So far, however, only industries are opting for piped natural gas. For example, Visakha Steel Plant is drawing 50,000 cubic meters of natural gas.
For PNG to be supplied to households and commercial establishments, laying of trunk pipelines and subsidiary pipelines for supplying the gas are major tasks. Currently, city gas distribution entities like IOCL and others are importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) and collecting at the Ennore terminal in Chennai and Dhamra Port in Odisha. From there, the LNG is sent to regasification units before being supplied as PNG through pipelines.
The other source of PNG will be natural gas available in the oil fields of Krishna-Godavari basin, which are being operated by ONGC and RIL. Their gas will be transported through pipelines laid by GAIL and used as PNG. The proposal to lay a trunk pipeline for transportation of gas from Kakinada to Srikakulam is in the bidding stage. Once it is finalised, the pipeline will be laid from Angul in Odisha to Srikakulam and to Kakinada. Another trunk pipeline connecting Kakinada to Nellore is also under consideration.
AP Gas Infrastructure Corporation in-charge managing director Praveen Aditya said, “We are making all efforts to promote PNG in a big way. Once the laying of trunk lines is completed, we will be able to expedite PNG connectivity in the state.”
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Households with both LPG, PNG connections under government scanner
An assessment is underway to identify households that are currently holding both liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and piped natural gas (PNG) connections, following a March 14 government order that barred household consumers from simultaneously holding both types of cooking gas connections. The order was among the measures announced by the government to encourage households to increase PNG use and reduce pressure off of LPG supplies, which have been badly hit due to the West Asia crisis.
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Despite the order having been in effect for one-and-a-half months now, only about 43,000 PNG consumers have so far surrendered their LPG connections. The government expects the number of consumers holding both connections to be much higher, and the assessment is being done to get an accurate estimate of such consumers, a senior Petroleum Ministry official said Thursday.
“It is a low number and we expect it to be more. The government has issued an order as per which it is not advisable to have both the connections…An assessment is being made to see how many people are there who have both (PNG and LPG) connections. Only after that some decision can be taken on this,” said Petroleum Ministry Joint Secretary Sujata Sharma. She did not elaborate on what could be the next steps to better enforce the order.
In a notification issued on March 14, the ministry amended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, under the Essential Commodities Act. The changes made it mandatory for consumers with PNG connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections. The notification also prohibited public sector fuel retailers and their distributors from giving out LPG connections as well as cylinder refills to consumers who already have PNG supply.
This move is among a series of measures intended to reduce India’s high import dependency for LPG, which has led to a major supply disruption due to the West Asia war and the consequent closure of the critical maritime chokepoint of the Strait of Hormuz. Another notification issued by the Petroleum Ministry in March made it mandatory for households with access to PNG connectivity, but still using LPG, to shift to PNG within three months or lose their LPG connections as well.
Such measures, the government expects, will help free up LPG supplies from areas that have PNG connectivity, allowing those volumes to reach consumers in areas that currently don’t have PNG infrastructure. Some city gas distribution (CGD) companies have also announced incentives like some volumes of free gas and waiver of connection charges to encourage consumers to sign up for PNG connections. The Centre has also urged states to help expedite PNG network expansion, and has even offered additional commercial LPG allocation if they take certain specific measures in this regard.
India depends on imports to meet 60% of its LPG requirement, and 90% of the imports come from West Asia via the Strait of Hormuz, where vessel movements have all but come to a halt. While India’s natural gas supplies have also been hit, the situation is significantly better than in the case of LPG. India’s reliance on imports for natural gas is around 50%, and 55-60% of LNG imports come through the Strait of Hormuz.
In the most vulnerable consumer segment—households—India has a huge LPG consumer base with 33.3 crore domestic connections. Households with PNG connections are far fewer at about 1.6 crore. In the current scenario, priority sectors continue to receive protected natural gas supplies, including 100% supply to the household PNG and CNG for transport segments, while supplies to industrial and commercial consumers are being regulated at around 80%.
The LPG supply constraint has forced the government to heavily cut supplies to commercial and industrial consumers in an effort to ensure uninterrupted supplies to crores of households that use the fuel for cooking. Additionally, the government ordered refiners to maximise LPG production, and directed them to divert propane, butane, and other streams from petrochemical manufacturing to LPG production. These measures have led to an increase of 40% in domestic LPG production vis-à-vis pre-West Asia conflict levels, which means that India’s own LPG production is now meeting roughly 55% of the country’s demand versus 40% earlier.
LPG is more portable as it is supplied in cylinders, while PNG requires pipeline connectivity at the consumer’s doorstep. However, once the requisite pipeline infrastructure is established, PNG scores higher than LPG in terms of convenience for users. This is because the pipeline provides uninterrupted supply and there is no need to store or keep track of the gas stock as in the case of LPG, where cylinders need to be booked and exchanged at regular intervals. PNG supplies are constant and metered, like power supply, and there is no need to make bookings.
PNG is also considered safer than LPG. This is because natural gas is lighter than air, which allows it to disperse quickly in case of a leak. LPG is heavier than air, and therefore tends to sink and accumulate in the air in case of leakage, which makes it a lot more prone to fires and explosions in such instances. Moreover, there are minimal human handling requirements of PNG from the city gas distributor’s facility to the consumer as the entire transmission is through pipelines. As for LPG, each time a cylinder runs out of gas, it has to be manually disconnected and replaced by the refill cylinder.
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Natural Gas/ Pipelines/ Company News
MNGL News: Amanora Park Town Declared LPG-Free Zone: A Benchmark in Sustainable Urban Living
Pune, April 29, 2026: In a significant milestone towards safer and more sustainable urban infrastructure, Amanora Park Town has been officially declared an “LPG-Free Zone.” This achievement marks a progressive shift in urban energy consumption, reinforcing the growing role of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) in modern residential ecosystems.
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The declaration was made in the august presence of Aniruddha Deshpande, Managing Director, of Amanora , Kumar Shanker, Managing Director, MNGL; Maj. Shankar Karajagi, Director (Commercial), MNGL; along with senior officials from MNGL and Amanora management, at Amanora Township, Pune,
Amanora Park Town has demonstrated remarkable progress in adopting PNG infrastructure since 2011. Today, the township has achieved 100% PNG penetration across all residential units, with over 10,005 active connections. This transition reflects a well-planned and efficiently executed energy shift aligned with safety, convenience, and environmental sustainability.
The resilience of PNG infrastructure was particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when disruptions in LPG cylinder supply were observed across several regions. In contrast, PNG ensured uninterrupted 24×7 gas availability, underscoring its reliability and operational efficiency. Building on this experience, the township has systematically restricted LPG cylinder entry and has now fully prohibited its usage within the premises.
By completely transitioning to PNG, Amanora Park Town has set a benchmark for integrated townships and residential communities across India. The move significantly enhances safety by eliminating cylinder-related risks, improves convenience through continuous supply, and contributes to environmental sustainability by promoting cleaner fuel usage.
This achievement serves as a model for other housing societies and urban developments. It highlights the potential of city gas distribution networks in driving large-scale behavioral and infrastructural change.
MNGL continues to encourage residential societies and citizens to adopt PNG and move towards becoming LPG-Free Zones, thereby contributing to a safer, more reliable, and environmentally responsible future.
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Military establishments in Pune set to fully switch to PNG; MNGL completes 33km pipeline network
Pune: The sprawling military establishments and residential areas under the Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area are set to become LPG-free within the next few months. This transition follows the near-completion of a major piped natural gas (PNG) network by Maharashtra Natural Gas Limited (MNGL) across the region’s defence zones.
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Army officials stated that the ambitious project — aimed at providing an uninterrupted and safer cooking fuel supply to military families and key institutions — is now in its final phase after nearly a year of extensive pipeline work.
“The work is in its final stages, and we expect to receive piped gas within a few months. It will provide significant relief to the nearly 20,000 people residing in these military areas,” a senior Army officer from the Dakshin Maharashtra and Goa Sub Area told TOI.
MNGL has already completed a 33-km underground pipeline network covering residential pockets, training institutes, and operational establishments across Pune’s cantonment and defence areas. Currently, cooking gas requirements are met via LPG cylinders distributed through Army supply depots and private vendors.
The transition is expected to drastically reduce the logistical burden of transporting and distributing over 3,000 cylinders every month. Officials noted that the PNG system would ensure a constant fuel supply to large defence cookhouses and training facilities that operate 24/7.
Key institutions slated for connection include the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), the Army Sports Institute (ASI), and the Army Institute of Physical Training (AIPT), along with several residential complexes.
Defence officials highlighted that the need for a more reliable fuel system became evident during recent geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Concerns over potential disruptions in the LPG supply chain prompted a shift towards more secure, localised infrastructure.
“While our supply remained smooth during past international tensions, there was always a lingering concern that external factors could affect the chain. A piped network mitigates that risk,” the officer added.
Beyond energy security, the PNG network is expected to enhance safety standards and operational efficiency by eliminating the need for bulk cylinder storage and handling within sensitive military zones. Once fully operational, Pune’s military areas will be among the few large defence clusters in India to rely almost entirely on a piped gas-based cooking system.
Extension to civilian areas under consideration
Following the successful installation of the military network, cantonment officials are contemplating extending the MNGL pipeline to civilian sectors.
“Once the military zone system is operational, we will move forward with a proposal for civilian areas. Given the high concentration of restaurants, eateries, and commercial complexes in these pockets, piped gas would offer a significant commercial advantage,” a senior official said.
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THINK Gas launches ‘LPG Free Zones’ at Kancheepuram
City Gas Distribution (CGD) company THINK Gas has launched its ‘LPG Free Zones’ initiative at Kancheepuram in Tamil Nadu, in partnership with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
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The initiative is aimed at accelerating the adoption of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) with THINK Gas.
THINK Gas has certified a total of seven large residential communities across the Kancheepuram Geographical Area (GA) as “LPG Free Zones”. These communities together account for over 4000+ households.
Thirukkumaran N T, Regional Head – Kancheepuram, THINK Gas, said, “Through the LPG Free Zone declaration, we aim to work closely with residential communities to accelerate PNG adoption and build greater awareness around piped gas infrastructure. We are encouraged by the response seen across these communities and remain committed to supporting more households in making a seamless transition to PNG.”
https://eflip.in/think-gas-launches-lpg-free-zones-at-kancheepuram/
Delhi’s gas-based plants run below capacity as Iran war hit supply; demand surges rapidly
NEW DELHI: The national capital is facing a growing power supply concern as gas-based power plants are operating far below their installed capacity due to an acute shortage of natural gas and soaring fuel prices, a situation worsened by the global energy crisis following the West Asia conflict.
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The city’s peak electricity demand crossed 7,000 MW for the first time in April, touching 7,078 MW on Monday afternoon, surpassing the previous record of 6,650 MW set a day earlier, as per State Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) data. The surge in demand has put pressure on local generation, particularly on gasbased plants that are struggling to operate efficiently.
The worst affected is the Pragati-III power station, which has an installed capacity of 1,371 MW but is currently generating only about 270 MW, said a senior govt official. Officials said the plant requires nearly 5.6 MMSCMD of natural gas to function at full capacity, but supply constraints have affected its output.
Similarly, the Pragati-I power station, with a capacity of 330 MW, is producing just about 142 MW. The smaller gas turbine power station is generating nearly 37 MW against its 90 MW capacity.
Noting that energy supply chains have been disrupted due to the conflict, officials said gas prices that once ranged between $7 and $12 perMMBtu have now surged to $18-24 per MMBtu, making power generation significantly more expensive.
“The economics simply do not support full-scale generation at these prices,” said an official. “In such prices, it would be too costly to justify running plants at full capacity because that could lead to price hike.”
Another official said SLDC, which manages electricity distribution in Delhi, has also been cautious in scheduling power from these plants. Since gas-based electricity is currently more expensive compared to other sources, SLDC prioritises cheaper alternatives and only calls upon these plants during peak demand or emergencies.
This comes at a critical time when Delhi’s electricity demand is rising sharply due to increasing temperatures and early summer conditions. The reliance on external power sources has grown. This is the earliest in the year that a demand as high as 7,000 MW has been recorded in the city. Power demand had first crossed 7,000 MW in July 2018, while in 2024 and 2025, the figure was reached in May. This year’s early spike reflects a pronounced shift driven by intense heat and rising cooling needs across households and commercial spaces.
An official said it would not affect Delhi’s power supply much as only 15% of the total power purchase is sourced from own generation by Delhi govt power plants and 85% is purchased from central govt and other sources externally.
“However, in extreme heat, we produce more using market rate or spot prices, which is costlier,” he said.
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Petronet LNG plans to build 7 LNG storage tanks amid supply disruptions
Petronet LNG Limited, India’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) importer, plans to build 10 additional gas storage tanks across three of its terminals, amid the ongoing West Asia crisis that has underscored the need to strengthen storage capacity in the country, Managing Director and CEO Akshay Kumar Singh said.
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The company plans to build four LNG storage tanks at the Dahej terminal in Gujarat, two at the Gopalpur terminal in Odisha, and one tank at the Kochi terminal in Kerala, Singh told reporters at a press conference, without disclosing investment requirements for the project. Of the existing 23 LNG storage tanks in India, Petronet LNG operates 10 tanks with a combined capacity of 1.7 billion cubic metres.
The move comes as India faces critical challenges in meeting the country’s energy requirements amid the West Asia crisis, highlighting high energy import dependency and lack of storage infrastructure.
PLL, which has a long-term LNG contract with Qatar, does not expect shipments in May from QatarEnergy due to the ongoing conflict and continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, said Singh. The force majeure invoked by QatarEnergy, after its facilities were attacked by Iran, continues to remain in place for the month of May. PLL has a 20-year agreement with QatarEnergy for supply of 7.5 million tonnes of LNG each year till 2048.
Petronet LNG also announced fourth-quarter results for the financial year 2025–26 on Monday. The company reported a 25.2 per cent year-on-year jump in consolidated net profit to Rs 1,337.59 crore in Q4FY26, from Rs 845.5 crore in the same period last year.
The company’s revenue from operations declined 23.3 per cent YoY to Rs 9,442.09 crore in Q4 from Rs 12,315.75 crore last year. PLL announced a final dividend of Rs 3 per share for FY26, subject to the approval of shareholders.
In Q4, PLL’s Dahej terminal recorded capacity utilisation of 90 per cent, lower than 93.8 per cent reported in the quarter ended December 31, primarily due to supply disruptions from QatarEnergy. Dahej, which is India’s largest regas terminal, processed 201 trillion British thermal units (TBTU) during Q4, as against 214 TBTU in Q3.
The overall LNG volume processed by the company in Q4 was 219 TBTU, as against 205 TBTU in the same period last year (Q4FY25) and 233 TBTU in the previous quarter (Q3 FY26). In FY26, Petronet LNG processed 901 TBTU of volumes, as against 934 TBTU processed in the previous financial year.
PLL said customers have made payment of outstanding use-or-pay dues of Rs 630.04 crore during the fourth quarter, pertaining to calendar year 2022.
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IRM Energy Reports FY26 Total Income of ₹11,854.10 Million & Profit of ₹532.13 Million
IRM Energy Limited has released its consolidated audited financial results for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2026. The report highlights a steady growth in annual revenue from operations reaching ₹11,599.56 million, alongside a consolidated profit for the year of ₹532.13 million, reflecting consistent performance in the natural gas sector.
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Tresha Dias Updated: Saturday, May 09, 2026, 06:24 PM IST
Mumbai: For the full year ended March 31, 2026, IRM Energy reported a Revenue from Operations of 11,599.56 million Indian Rupees, showing a notable increase from the previous year’s 10,563.55 million. With the addition of Other Income amounting to 254.54 million, the Total Income for the financial year reached 11,854.10 million. This compares to a total of 10,907.55 million in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025.
Quarterly Financial Overview (Q4 FY26)
In the final quarter ended March 31, 2026, the company achieved a Total Income of 3,093.67 million. This was an improvement over the preceding quarter ended December 31, 2025, which recorded 2,950.17 million, and the corresponding quarter of the previous year (March 31, 2025) at 2,979.23 million. The revenue growth is supported by a robust operational framework despite fluctuating market costs.
The Total Expenses for the year ended March 31, 2026, stood at 11,068.60 million. The primary cost driver was the Purchases of stock-in-trade of natural gas, totaling 7,909.89 million. Other significant expenses included Excise Duty of 932.99 million, Employee Benefits Expense of 248.46 million, and Depreciation and Amortisation Expense of 444.12 million. For the quarter ended March 31, 2026, expenses were managed at 2,916.48 million.
Profitability and Tax Obligations
The Profit before tax for the year was 785.50 million. After accounting for a Total Tax Expense of 216.30 million (comprising current and deferred tax), the profit before share of Joint Control Entities was 569.20 million. Accounting for a loss of (37.11) million from Joint Control Entities, the Profit for the year concluded at 532.13 million. The quarterly profit for March 31, 2026, was 127.56 million, compared to 43.91 million in the same quarter last year.
Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income for the year, which includes items like remeasurements of defined benefit assets (net of tax), was recorded at 529.74 million. This reflects the overall financial health of the organization as it navigates the energy market’s complexities.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the Statement of Consolidated Audited Financial Results provided in the source image. All figures are in Million Indian Rupees unless otherwise stated. While care has been taken to ensure accuracy, readers should refer to the original financial documents of IRM Energy Limited for investment decisions.
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Jaipur households to pay more for piped gas:Company hikes price by ₹2, new rates come into effect today
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supplied to homes in Jaipur has become more expensive from today. Torrent Gas Ltd., the company providing PNG services, has increased prices by about 2 rupees from Friday.
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According to information, till now PNG supplied to homes in different areas of Jaipur was at the rate of Rs 49.50 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM). Which will now increase to Rs 51.50 per SCM.
PNG connections are in these places
Let us tell you that there are PNG connections in more than 25 thousand homes in Jaipur, including Kalwar Road, Sirsi Road, Vaishali Nagar, Mahindra SEZ, and Sector-8 of Mansarovar.
CNG rates were increased on April 4
After the Iran-America war, oil and gas companies had increased the prices of cooking and natural gas. Last month, on April 4, Torrent and other companies had increased CNG rates by about Rs 2.5.
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Jaipur households to pay more for piped gas:Company hikes price by ₹2, new rates come into effect today
Piped Natural Gas (PNG) supplied to homes in Jaipur has become more expensive from today. Torrent Gas Ltd., the company providing PNG services, has increased prices by about 2 rupees from Friday.
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According to information, till now PNG supplied to homes in different areas of Jaipur was at the rate of Rs 49.50 per Standard Cubic Meter (SCM). Which will now increase to Rs 51.50 per SCM.
PNG connections are in these places
Let us tell you that there are PNG connections in more than 25 thousand homes in Jaipur, including Kalwar Road, Sirsi Road, Vaishali Nagar, Mahindra SEZ, and Sector-8 of Mansarovar.
CNG rates were increased on April 4
After the Iran-America war, oil and gas companies had increased the prices of cooking and natural gas. Last month, on April 4, Torrent and other companies had increased CNG rates by about Rs 2.5.
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GAIL team inspects proposed biogas project site; final call awaited
Belagavi: Amid strong opposition from residents of Mandoli and Hangarga villages, a team from Gas India Authority Limited (GAIL) conducted a physical inspection on Saturday of the nine-acre site identified for a proposed compressed biogas project on Mandoli Road.
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Senior representatives and managers from GAIL arrived from New Delhi to assess the site, accompanied by Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) environmental engineers Adil Khan and Praveen Kumar Khilare. Officials briefed the GAIL team on the site layout, surrounding conditions, road connectivity, technical feasibility and future planning aspects of the proposed project.
Sources said the inspection also included a preliminary assessment of nearby villages and possible environmental implications. The municipal corporation plans to set up the compressed biogas plant to process the city’s solid waste, particularly wet waste, and generate biogas as part of its waste management strategy.
Meanwhile, opposition to the project has intensified. On Friday, residents of Mandoli and Hangarga submitted a memorandum to the deputy commissioner, demanding that the project not be implemented at the proposed location under any circumstances.
Sources indicated that while the initial inspection was considered satisfactory, the final decision will be taken only after consultations with senior GAIL officials in New Delhi.
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Policy Matters/ Gas Pricing/ Others
LPG Update: One Household, One Gas Connection Now Mandatory
Do you have both an LPG cylinder and a PNG connection at home? The Government of India has now begun strictly enforcing a “one household, one connection” rule. Amid a global energy crisis and rising tensions in West Asia, gas supply has been impacted, making it illegal to maintain dual connections. Here’s what the new rule means for you and why the government has taken this step.
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If your home has both PNG and LPG, you may soon be flagged. According to recent reports from Delhi, authorities are identifying households that are using both connections simultaneously. The aim is to curb black marketing and ensure that subsidies reach those who genuinely need them.
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LPG gas cylinder price hike: Check latest fuel prices in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata on 2 May
Despite growing pressure to hike fuel prices due to disruptions caused by the Iran war, the central government has chosen not to change domestic LPG rates. However, the price of commercial LPG (19 kg cylinders) has increased by an average of ₹993.
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As a result, in Delhi, the cost has risen from ₹2,078.50 to ₹3,071.50, while in Mumbai it has gone up from ₹2,031 to ₹3,024.
These developments come as Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum are in the process of finalising new regulations aimed at preventing hoarding, curbing black marketing, and stopping the illegal diversion of subsidised gas.
Petrol, diesel prices to be affected? Govt says…
The government on Friday stated that retail fuel prices will remain unchanged and that the supply of petrol, diesel, and domestic LPG remains steady, even as it implements several measures to address disruptions caused by the evolving situation in West Asia.
“Retail pump prices of Petrol, Diesel and domestic LPG (14.2 kg cylinders meant for regular household use) have been kept unchanged,” the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in a release, while noting that oil marketing companies (OMCs) have undertaken “a calibrated price revision… for a small set of products catering primarily to commercial, industrial and premium segments.”
The ministry again emphasised that there is no need for panic buying, urging citizens to “avoid panic purchase of petrol, diesel and LPG as the Govt is making all efforts to ensure availability.”
According to the ministry, the government has ensured “100% supply… to Domestic LPG, Domestic PNG and CNG (Transport),” even as global uncertainties continue to impact energy markets.
On LPG supply, the government said deliveries remain robust despite geopolitical pressures. “On 30.04.2026, around 49.8 Lakh domestic LPG cylinders were delivered against bookings of around 41.6 Lakh LPG cylinders,” the ministry said, adding that “no dry-outs have been reported at LPG distributorships.”
To stabilise demand, the government has taken several measures, including increasing booking intervals and promoting alternative fuels. “Alternate fuels such as kerosene and coal have been made available to ease pressure on LPG demand,” the ministry said.
There is no need for panic buying; the government is making all efforts to ensure availability.
The Centre has also stepped up enforcement to curb black marketing. “More than 2300 raids were conducted across the country,” while penalties were imposed on “342 LPG distributorships” and “73 LPG distributorships” were suspended, the ministry said.
(With inputs from agencies)
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Gujarat emerged as India’s ‘Energy Capital’ & ‘Natural Gas Gateway’: Puri
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Hardeep Singh Puri has stated that Gujarat has emerged as India’s ‘Energy Capital’ and the country’s ‘Natural Gas Gateway.’
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Speaking at the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference (VGRC) – South Gujarat in Surat on Friday, Hardeep Singh Puri said the state is at the heart of India’s energy story and also described South Gujarat as the heart of the country’s industrial growth.
He noted that Gujarat refines about 40 per cent of the country’s crude oil with four refineries with an annual capacity of 101.9 million metric tonnes and with 4 LNG terminals with a capacity of 32.7 million metric tonnes, it is the largest LNG receiving hub in the country. “The state has become both the energy capital of India and the natural gas gateway of the country,” he noted.
“With a gas pipeline network of about 4,800 km and a share of 26 per cent of the country’s total city gas distribution consumption, Gujarat’s energy potential is reflected,” Puri stated.
“As India moves forward with the aim of increasing the share of natural gas in its primary energy, Gujarat has already become a strong example in this direction,” he said. He added that the ‘Gujarat Model’ is the best example of dynamic development.
Speaking about green hydrogen and energy self-reliance by 2047, Puri said India’s energy demand is growing at three times the global average. “Keeping this in mind, the country is focusing on the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The goal is to make India completely self-reliant in the energy sector by 2047,” he stated. He also praised Gujarat for organising regional summits ahead of the 2027 Vibrant Gujarat Summit.
As Gujarat continues to move forward as the ‘growth engine’ of the country, the state government has adopted an innovative approach of organising such conferences at the regional level to further expand the global vision of ‘Vibrant Gujarat’. Through this initiative, efforts have been made to promote development opportunities present in every region of the state.
This two-day conference which was held in Surat included six districts of South Gujarat, including Surat, with active participation from representatives associated with industry, agriculture, MSMEs, and the service sector.
The main objective of the conference was to accelerate regional industrial growth, attract investors, and create new employment opportunities.
Odisha rolls out CGD Policy 2026, expects investments worth over ₹5,100 cr
Amid growing concerns over energy security and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s clarion call for energy conservation and adoption of cleaner fuels, the Odisha government has rolled out an ambitious policy to rapidly expand city gas infrastructure across the state, paving the way for piped natural gas (PNG) connections and compressed natural gas (CNG) stations in urban areas through a fast-track approval mechanism.
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Under the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, the state has authorised five city gas distribution entities — GAIL (India) Limited, GAIL Gas Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, Adani Total Gas Limited and Megha Gas — to implement city gas distribution projects across urban centres in all 30 districts.
As the Centre has set a target to increase the share of natural gas in the country’s primary energy mix from 6.2 per cent to 15 per cent by 2030, this newly formulated Odisha policy is expected to accelerate the rollout of more than nine lakh domestic PNG connections and establish around 271 CNG stations, attracting investments of about ₹5,100 crore in the coming years.
Usha Padhee, additional chief secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, said the new policy will ensure faster expansion of the CGD network across the state, promote cleaner energy usage in domestic, industrial, commercial and transport sectors, widen infrastructure coverage, and generate associated value-added services and opportunities.
As part of the policy, the state government will put in place a streamlined, time-bound and single-window approval mechanism for pipeline laying, land allotment, equipment installation and other regulatory clearances. The policy notes that the five entities have committed to providing around 9,09,682 domestic PNG connections and establishing 271 CNG stations under their minimum work programme.
The state government has announced a one-time moratorium by waiving permission and supervision charges for pipeline laying across roads, municipal areas, industrial zones, panchayat roads, water resources infrastructure and other state agencies till March 31, 2027, to encourage rapid expansion of gas infrastructure and reduce initial implementation bottlenecks.
Officials said the waiver is expected to significantly lower upfront project costs and incentivise faster rollout of underground gas pipeline networks in urban and semi-urban areas. An institutional framework headed by the chief secretary and a unified single-window portal integrating clearances from agencies such as the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation, National Highways Authority of India, Railways and other statutory bodies will be introduced to oversee the creation of CGD infrastructure and streamline approvals.
In a major ease-of-doing-business reform, the policy mandates that applications for laying steel and MDPE pipelines must be processed within seven working days, while permissions not granted within 30 days will be deemed automatically approved, allowing the CGD entity to commence work after informing the district nodal officer. Similarly, permissions for the installation of pressure regulating stations and associated gas infrastructure will be granted within seven days of compliance with formalities.
Recognising land availability as one of the biggest challenges in gas infrastructure development, the policy provides for priority allotment of government land for city gate stations, CNG stations, LNG facilities and associated infrastructure on long-term lease for up to 30 years at nominal lease rentals. District authorities and planning agencies have been directed to earmark land parcels in master plans, including plots of at least 2,500 square metres for city gate stations and 1,000 square metres for CNG stations at strategic traffic corridors.
As part of the policy, urban local bodies and development authorities have been mandated to incorporate provisions for PNG pipelines in all future residential and commercial building plans, ensuring gas infrastructure becomes an integral component of urban planning. Government residential complexes, guest houses and office buildings will also be encouraged to include PNG connectivity provisions at the design stage.
With an eye on cleaner mobility, the state government has proposed the adoption of CNG and LNG as preferred transportation fuels. Educational institutions and private transport operators in cities with populations exceeding five lakh will have to shift to cleaner fuels within two years. An online approval mechanism will also be introduced for retrofitting CNG and LNG kits in vehicles.
In a future-oriented move, the policy has prescribed specific provisions for the development of compressed biogas plants in collaboration with municipal bodies, in line with the Government of India’s mandatory blending targets for compressed biogas in the city gas sector.
“The policy also classifies PNG and CNG supply as essential services, ensuring uninterrupted movement of CNG cascades, LNG tankers and emergency response vehicles during festivals, natural disasters, strikes, road blockades and other emergencies with support from district administration and police. It will help the state strengthen energy resilience,” officials said.
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LNG Use / LNG Development and Shipping
LNG ship from India heading towards Hormuz drops anchor
Umm Al Ashtan, the LNG carrier that had set sail from Dahej, Gujarat, to the Persian Gulf for loading, has dropped anchor at Khor Fakkan, just downstream of the Strait of Hormuz, as per marinetraffic.com. The ship would have been among the first to cross the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf of Oman to load cargo if it had made the scheduled transit on Friday (May 1, 2026).
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Umm Al Ashtan had stayed close to Oman during its transit unlike typical Iran-approved transits that hug the Iranian coast. The scheduled passage of the ship had given hope of normalcy returning.
Idemitsu Maru, the supertanker bound for Nagoya, Japan, had hugged the Iranian coast.
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India’s Petronet LNG expects full Qatar supply after Middle East stabilises
Investing.com — India’s top gas importer Petronet LNG (NS:PLNG) expects to receive its full contracted amount of liquefied natural gas from Qatar once the geopolitical situation in the Middle East stabilises, chief executive A. K. Singh said on Monday.
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Qatar, India’s largest LNG supplier, has a contract to supply 7.5 million metric tons per year of LNG to Petronet, equivalent to 9-10 cargoes per month.
Supplies were halted in March following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran struck two of Qatar’s 14 LNG production trains, forcing it to declare force majeure.
Qatar has said repairs will sideline 12.8 million tons per year of LNG for three to five years.
Singh said Petronet had not been receiving cargoes from the trains that were damaged in attacks.
“We hope and expect our supplies will not be cut,” Singh told a press conference, adding that Qatar had notified the company of force majeure for May deliveries.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
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Petronet LNG expects Qatar supplies to resume 3-4 weeks after West Asia conflict concludes
Petronet LNG expects supplies from Qatar to resume within three to four weeks after the conflict in West Asia comes to an end, Saurav Mitra, Head of Finance of the country’s largest importer of LNG told analysts in an investor call early on Tuesday (May 5, 2026).
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“We are in constant touch with QatarEnergy,” he stated, adding, “We are hopeful the moment this conflict comes to end supplies should resume within three to four weeks.”
The Delhi-headquartered company’s imports of natural gas from Qatar have been affected since the onset of the escalating tensions in West Asia, specifically, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to the press following the announcement of their March-end quarter financials on Monday (May 4, 2026, Akshay Kumar Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD & CEO) had stated no vessel from Qatar’s Ras Laffan came to their Dahej terminal since March 2.
Petronet LNG has two long-term contracts with QatarEnergy, which is the world’s exporter of natural gas, and with ExxonMobil from Australia’s Gorgon project.
On Tuesday, Mr. Mitra told investors that it was in talks with QatarEnergy to recoup the lost volumes within the year itself.
“The moment it [the conflict] stops, QatarEnergy would be able to resumes supplies,” the senior official stated, adding, “So, we are confident maybe from the first week of June, the entire supply would come as per the annual delivery plan. We are also talking to them, so whatever volumes have been lost are made up within this year itself which would be great for the company and the country also.”
Further, Petronet LNG informed that it was also sourcing natural gas from Oman alongside Mozambique, Nigeria, Congo and Senegal, to address the lost volumes.
“Not just from U.S. [the additional supplies], Oman which is very close to India those supplies continue to come in. There are new countries where we are getting cargoes from, such as Nigeria, Mozambique, Congo and Senegal – all these new supplies are adding up and supporting,” he stated.
The Delhi-headquarter company also informed it plans to incur ₹9,000 crore capital expenditure in FY 2027, of which, about ₹7,500 crore would be spent on their petrochemical project.
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Electric Mobility/ Hydrogen/Bio-Methane
KPI Green bags ₹621 crore NTPC Renewable Energy solar orders in Rajasthan
The company has secured contracts for 500 MW grid-connected solar PV projects in Bikaner, marking its entry into Rajasthan with long-term O&M and AMC scope.
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ETEnergyWorld Desk | ETEnergyWorld | Updated On May 8, 2026 at 03:50 PM IST
The award has been divided into two blocks of 300 MW and 200 MW. KPI Green Energy Ltd on Friday said it has received notifications of award (NOAs) from NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd for balance-of-system (BOS) packages for the development of 500 MW grid-connected solar PV projects at Bikaner, Rajasthan.
The award has been divided into two blocks of 300 MW and 200 MW.
The aggregate contract value stands at ₹621 crore, excluding GST, comprising ₹367 crore for the 300 MW block and ₹254 crore for the 200 MW block.
KPI Green said the project marks its entry into Rajasthan and supports its strategy of expanding participation in large utility-scale solar projects across renewable energy-rich states.
The scope of work includes the supply of plant and equipment, inland transportation, insurance, installation, testing and commissioning, civil and allied works, and comprehensive operation and maintenance services for three years from the commercial operation date (COD), plus a 10-year annual maintenance contract (AMC).
The company added that the award strengthens its positioning in India’s renewable energy sector and is expected to contribute to future growth and stakeholder value creation.
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Ather Rizta Hits 3 Lakh Sales Milestone: Driving 4X Growth in India’s EV Market
Ather Energy, a frontrunner in India’s electric two wheeler (E2W) revolution, has announced a landmark achievement. Its flagship family scooter, the Ather Rizta, has officially crossed the 3 lakh (300,000) unit sales milestone within just 24 months of its market debut.
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The Rizta, which launched in April 2024, has rapidly evolved from a new entrant into Ather’s primary volume driver. In the 2026 fiscal year (FY26) alone, the family scooter accounted for a staggering 76% of Ather’s total sales volume, signaling a definitive shift in consumer preference toward practical, family oriented electric mobility.
Accelerated Momentum: 1 Lakh Units in Just 5 Months
The Rizta’s growth trajectory showcases an impressive “S-curve” acceleration. While the first 1 lakh units took 11 months to sell, the jump from 2 lakh to 3 lakh units was achieved in a record five months (December 2025 to May 2026).
Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer at Ather Energy, highlighted the strategic importance of this milestone:
“The Rizta has played a crucial role in expanding our market share in ‘middle India’ by 4X since its launch. It has resonated extremely well with family audiences, helping us gain a leadership position in FY26 across Southern India and emerging markets.”
Conquering “Middle India”: A 400% Market Share Surge
The success of the Rizta isn’t just about numbers; it’s about geography. Traditionally strong in South India, Ather has used the Rizta to penetrate key automotive hubs in the North and West.
- Regional Dominance: Market share in states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha skyrocketed from 4.1% in Q1 FY25 to 17.3% by Q4 FY26.
- Northern Expansion: In Punjab, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, Ather’s market share grew by over 3X during the same period.
- Customer Profile: Nearly 70% of Rizta owners are families with children, proving that the scooter has successfully bridged the gap between tech-savvy early adopters and everyday household users.
Why the Rizta is Winning: Comfort Meets Connectivity
The Ather Rizta was designed to solve common pain points for Indian families. Key features driving this demand include:
- Industry-Leading Storage: A massive 56 litres of total storage (34L under-seat and a 22L “frunk”).
- Safety First: Advanced integrations like SkidControl™, theft alerts, and tow alerts.
- Smart Upgrades: In late 2025, Ather rolled out Atherstack 7, an over the air (OTA) update that introduced a touchscreen interface even to older Rizta Z models, ensuring the vehicle stays current with technology.
Ather Energy’s Dual-Brand Strategy
With the Rizta handling the mass market family segment and the 450 series catering to performance enthusiasts, Ather Energy now offers a diverse portfolio of 9 variants. Supported by the Ather Grid, India’s widest 2W fast charging network, the company is well positioned to maintain its momentum as the Indian EV market enters a high growth phase.
Source: https://evindia.online/news/ather-rizta-3-lakh-sales-milestone-india-growth
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Upcoming Electric Cars in India 2026: The Ultimate Guide to the EV Revolution
If you are searching for the best upcoming EV cars in India for 2026, you are likely feeling the pressure of rising fuel costs and the frustration of long petrol station queues. Just a year or two ago, most Indian drivers were only “considering” a switch to electric; today, with global crude oil prices spiking due to international tensions and the high maintenance costs of aging petrol/diesel engines, switching to an EV is no longer just an option—it is a financial necessity. 2026 marks the turning point where India moves away from converted petrol models toward dedicated, high-range electric platforms. Whether you are looking for an affordable city commuter like from Maruti’s first-ever electric SUV to Tata’s futuristic Avinya, this guide covers the requirements which you need to change your mindset and move toward a zero-emission future.
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- The Budget & City Segment (Under ₹15 Lakh)
Perfect for urban commutes and first-time EV buyers looking for value.
Vinfast VF 3
- Estimated Price : ₹7.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh
- Performance : 40–43 hp, 110 Nm torque (0-50 km/h in 5 seconds).
- Battery & Range : 18.64 kWh battery with a 215 km claimed range.
- Charging : 10% to 70% in 36 minutes via fast charging.
If you are searching for the best upcoming EV cars in India for 2026, you are likely feeling the pressure of rising fuel costs and the frustration of long petrol station queues. Just a year or two ago, most Indian drivers were only “considering” a switch to electric; today, with global crude oil prices spiking due to international tensions and the high maintenance costs of aging petrol/diesel engines, switching to an EV is no longer just an option—it is a financial necessity. 2026 marks the turning point where India moves away from converted petrol models toward dedicated, high-range electric platforms. Whether you are looking for an affordable city commuter like from Maruti’s first-ever electric SUV to Tata’s futuristic Avinya, this guide covers the requirements which you need to change your mindset and move toward a zero-emission future.
- The Budget & City Segment (Under ₹15 Lakh)
Perfect for urban commutes and first-time EV buyers looking for value.
Vinfast VF 3
- Estimated Price : ₹7.5 Lakh – ₹10 Lakh
- Performance : 40–43 hp, 110 Nm torque (0-50 km/h in 5 seconds).
- Battery & Range : 18.64 kWh battery with a 215 km claimed range.
- Charging : 10% to 70% in 36 minutes via fast charging.
Renault Bridger EV
- Estimated Price : ₹10.00 Lakh – ₹14.07 Lakh
- Battery : 35 kWh and 55 kWh options.
- Interior & Features : 400-liter boot, digital instrument cluster, 360-degree camera, ADAS, and a sunroof.
Maruti Suzuki Fronx EV
- Estimated Price : ₹12 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh
- Performance : 100 kW to 120 kW output.
- Battery & Range : 45 kWh – 60 kWh pack; 400 km – 500 km range.
- Features : Fast charging (10-80% in ~60 min), 360-degree camera, and advanced connectivity.
Hyundai Inster
- Estimated Price : ₹12 Lakh – ₹15 Lakh (Expected)
- Performance : 95 bhp (Standard) or 84.5 kW motor (Long Range).
- Range : Up to 370 km (WLTP).
- Charging : Supports 120 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 30 minutes).
- The Mid-Size SUV Battle (₹15 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh)
The most competitive segment for Indian families seeking range and tech.
Toyota Urban Cruiser EV
- Estimated Price : ₹18 Lakh – ₹21 Lakh
- Battery Options : 49 kWh (144 hp) or 61 kWh (174 hp).
- Range : 543 km (ARAI) with the 61 kWh variant.
- Charging : 10% to 80% in 45 minutes via DC charging.
Kia Syros EV
- Estimated Price : ₹14 Lakh – ₹20 Lakh
- Battery & Range : 42 kWh and 49 kWh options; 400 km – 450 km range.
Honda Elevate EV
- Estimated Price : ₹18 Lakh – ₹30 Lakh
- Performance : Single motor FWD system; battery packs expected between 40 kWh and 75 kWh.
Tata Sierra EV
- Estimated Price : ₹20 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh
- Range : 450 km – 550 km.
- Charging : 0-80% in 45–50 minutes (DC); 0-100% in 6–8 hours via 7.2 kW AC wallbox.
Skoda Epiq EV
- Estimated Price : ₹20 Lakh – ₹25 Lakh (Expected)
- Battery & Range : 34 kWh and 54 kWh; up to 425 km range.
- Highlight : 475-liter boot space and 10-80% charge in just 23 minutes.
- The Premium & Lifestyle Flagships (₹25 Lakh+)
Extreme performance, 7-seater practicality, and futuristic design.
Tata Safari EV
- Estimated Price : ₹25 Lakh – ₹30 Lakh
- Battery & Range : 65 kWh and 75 kWh LFP packs; 450 km – 600 km real-world range.
Mahindra Thar.e
- Estimated Price : ₹25 Lakh – ₹30 Lakh
- Battery & Range : 80 kWh LFP blade battery; up to 500 km range.
Mahindra BE.07
- Estimated Price : ₹25 Lakh – ₹30 Lakh
- Performance : 80 kWh battery compatible with 175 kW fast charging.
- Range : Exceeding 450 km.
Tata Avinya
- Estimated Price : ₹30 Lakh – ₹40 Lakh
- Performance : Targeted 500 km range on a premium born-EV platform.
Hyundai IONIQ 6
- Estimated Price : ₹55 Lakh – ₹65 Lakh (Premium Entry)
- Specs : 680 km range and 185 km/h top speed.
- Charging : 10-80% in just 18 minutes.
Source: https://evindia.online/blog/upcoming-electric-cars-india-2026
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Natural Gas / Transnational Pipelines/ Others
Romania: Pipelaying begins for Neptun Deep gas project
OMV Petrom and Romgaz announced the start of offshore pipelaying for the Neptun Deep project. The announcement came as the first specialised vessel, the Castoro 10, arrived in Romanian waters to begin installing the initial section of a 160-kilometre coastal pipeline.
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The pipeline serves as a critical link between offshore production platforms and the shore. To minimise environmental impact at the coastline, the connection will be made via a pre-constructed microtunnel in Tuzla. Once operational, the 30-inch diameter steel pipeline will deliver gas to a metering station before it enters the national grid.
Installation activities involve a sophisticated fleet acting as mobile assembly lines. Onboard vessels like the 160-metre Castoro 10, pipe segments are aligned, welded, tested, and coated before being lowered to the seabed. The project will eventually utilise the Castorone, one of the world’s largest pipelayers, and the JSD 6000, a deep-water vessel designed to connect subsea wells to the main production platform. The broader Neptun Deep infrastructure includes ten production wells and three subsea systems. Four wells have already been drilled at the Pelican South site, with six more currently underway at the Domino field. Franck Neel, a member of the OMV Petrom Executive Board, stated in a recent interview with CEEnergynews that “Neptun Deep places Romania exactly in this strategic position, as a future anchor of stability in Central and South‑Eastern Europe”.
OMV Petrom, the largest integrated energy producer in Southeastern Europe, reported an annual hydrocarbon production of approximately 38 million barrels of oil equivalent in 2025. The company operates a high-efficiency 860 megawatt gas-fired power plant and maintains a retail network of 780 filling stations across the region. OMV Aktiengesellschaft holds a 51.2 per cent stake in OMV Petrom and the state of Romania holds 20.7 per cent.
“Neptun Deep is a strategic project for Romania and for the energy security of the region, involving investments of around EUR 4 billion and an estimated annual production of around 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas,” said Christina Verchere, CEO of OMV Petrom. “In 2026, we will make significant progress here in Romania: installing the offshore pipeline, subsea equipment, and the production platform. All activities are carried out to the highest safety and quality standards, with the objective of starting production in 2027.”
https://ceenergynews.com/oil-gas/pipelaying-begins-for-neptun-deep-gas-project/
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Venezuela : BP and Venezuela Sign Pact to Explore for Offshore Gas
BP Plc and Venezuela agreed on a deal to explore for natural gas offshore as the South American country’s energy revival gathers pace following the US capture of Nicolas Maduro.
“This is the return of BP to Venezuela,” the nation’s Acting President Delcy Rodríguez said during the signing event Wednesday inside the Miraflores Palace in Caracas.
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Egypt: New natural gas discovery in Nile Delta with output of 50 MMcf/d
The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources announced on Saturday, 2/5/2026, a new natural gas discovery in the Nile Delta, with estimated production reaching around 50 million cubic feet per day.
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The discovery follows the successful drilling of the exploratory well (Nidoco N-2) in the West Abu Madi concession area in Kafr El-Sheikh, operated by Eni in partnership with BP.
Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Karim Badawi said that the well was drilled using advanced directional drilling technology from onshore, targeting offshore reserves in shallow waters, a move that helped reduce costs and enhance operational efficiency.
Badawi added that the discovery, along with increased production from existing fields, reflects the sector’s success in settling dues to foreign partners, noting that full repayment is expected by the end of June.
He pointed out that regular payments have encouraged partners to expand exploration and drilling activities, in addition to supporting investments through extended agreements.
The Minister noted that the well’s proximity to existing infrastructure — less than 2 km from nearby production facilities — will enable swift tie-in and early production within the coming weeks.
The discovery is expected to support domestic gas supply and optimize the use of existing infrastructure, while underscoring Eni’s continued success in exploration activities in Egypt.
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Indonesia preparing 3kg CNG cylinders for household use
JAKARTA: Indonesia is preparing to develop compressed natural gas (CNG) in three-kilogram (kg) cylinders for household use as an alternative to three-kg liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said.
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Bahlil said CNG is already being used in several hotels, restaurants and kitchens supporting the government’s free meals programme, using domestically sourced gas, with plans under way to expand its use to households.
“We have just started producing the three‑kg (cylinders), which cost 30 to 40 per cent less,” the minister said on Saturday (May 2), Antara news agency reported.
Bahlil acknowledged ongoing challenges in CNG development, but said the government remains committed to advancing the initiative to enhance energy efficiency and national energy independence.
CNG or compressed natural gas is a gaseous fuel produced by compressing natural gas, mainly containing methane (C1) and ethane (C2).
According to the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry, Indonesia has annual LPG consumption of about 8.6 million tonnes, of which only 1.6 to 1.7 million tonnes are produced domestically, with the remainder met through imports.
The ministry said CNG development could support efforts to strengthen national energy resilience, alongside optimisation of oil and gas lifting, fuel diversification including B50, and LPG diversification. – Bernama
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US: Pipeline Construction Will Follow Natural Gas Demand Growth
1 The United States is adding pipelines and capacity to meet the growing demand for natural gas from LNG, electric generation, and manufacturing.
2 Throughout the United States, new pipeline projects are getting underway, leading to the biggest construction surge in 20 years, with costs estimated at $50 billion.
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3 In addition to pipelines for LNG projects in Texas and Louisiana, one is proposed for Mexico using natural gas from the U.S. Permian Basin.
4 The EIA is projecting large increases in natural gas demand and supply in the future, which will require additional pipelines and facilities.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) export growth, rising data center electricity demand, and manufacturing are accelerating pipeline construction across multiple U.S. regions to connect gas-producing areas to demand facilities. Williams Companies is beginning construction on the Northeast Supply Enhancement expansion of its Transco network — the first major new pipeline project in New York in more than a decade. Natural gas is needed because the state’s clean energy policies are causing electricity prices to rise. According to Fortune, the construction of gas pipelines in the United States is at its biggest growth surge in nearly 20 years, since the beginning of the shale gas boom.
Over 150 pipeline projects are planned nationwide, representing about 150 billion cubic feet of new capacity, according to the analytics firm, Arbo. Long-haul pipelines are being constructed to LNG export hubs in Texas and Louisiana, and smaller gas pipelines or expansions are happening across the country to connect data centers with gas-fired power. Via OilPrice, in 2026, 12 projects for new or expanded gas pipelines are set to be completed in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma, which will increase the U.S. Gulf Coast region’s capacity to transport natural gas by 13%. According to Wood Mackenzie, companies have committed $50 billion worth of investments in new gas pipelines that would add 8,800 miles of new pipeline in the United States.
Fortune reports that the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline will expand the Transco natural gas network in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. It includes installing pipeline loops, adding pipeline segments next to existing pipelines, modifying existing facilities, and connecting new infrastructure to existing systems. It will bring much-needed natural gas into the area from the Pennsylvania gas fields. The project is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Mexico’s LNG Project Awaits Gas Pipeline from the United States
Saguaro Connector Pipeline LLC has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a three-year extension to complete a cross-border pipeline segment that would feed an LNG project in Mexico. The project, which was originally to be completed by February 15, 2027, under FERC’s 2024 authorization, was to construct and place into service a 1,000-foot, 48-inch-diameter pipeline crossing the Rio Grande in Hudspeth County, Texas. The pipeline is to supply natural gas from the Permian Basin to a proposed LNG export terminal in Mexico. The delay was caused by prolonged litigation, ongoing commercial negotiations, and the timing of a planned LNG export facility on Mexico’s west coast.
EIA’s Annual Energy Outlook Supports Robust Natural Gas Growth
In its 2026 Annual Energy Outlook, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects robust growth of natural gas in both the export market and in the generating sector. U.S. exports of natural gas are the fastest-growing source of natural gas demand across all cases that the EIA considers, with LNG export capacity expected to increase to 27.7 billion cubic feet per day by 2030 through planned projects. In addition to these additions through 2030, the EIA projects that additional LNG export capacity will be built in the 2030s and 2040s across most of its cases due to prices remaining economic in global markets, resulting in LNG export volumes ranging from 29.6 billion cubic feet per day to 37.9 billion cubic feet per day by 2050.
The EIA projects that natural gas use for electric power generation by 2050 increases more than it does in any other end-use sector, rising from 35.2 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to between 38.1 billion cubic feet per day and 50.4 billion cubic feet per day in 2050 in most cases considered due to higher electricity demand and some policy and methodological changes. It also expects industrial sector natural gas use to grow, with consumption in 2050 projected to increase in most cases by 11% to 35% from 2025 levels. The growth is due to consumption in bulk chemicals and other natural gas-intensive industries, and because natural gas increasingly replaces coal as a boiler fuel in the forecast.
With natural gas demand increasing both at home and abroad, the EIA projects dry natural gas production to rise significantly, from 107 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to between 133 and 151 billion cubic feet per day by 2050 in most cases. Natural gas production is expected to increase the most in the East region, where the Appalachian Basin is located, since production costs are relatively low. Natural gas production in that region increases from 37 billion cubic feet per day in 2025 to between 66 and 73 billion cubic feet per day by 2050 in most cases. Regions with significant associated natural gas — gas extracted as a by-product of crude oil — also contribute to higher natural gas production across all cases.
The increased output from the East region requires new infrastructure to move natural gas to the Gulf Coast to accommodate growing demand. The buildout is supported by price differences between the relatively low-cost natural gas in Appalachia compared with that produced near the Gulf Coast, where the Henry Hub is located.
In the EIA’s High Oil and Gas Supply case, where more recoverable resources are assumed available, most of the additional gas supply comes from regions rich in associated gas, such as the Permian Basin, or from areas in close proximity to demand centers, with the Haynesville play being a key contributor. In this case, the lower-cost, higher-productivity unconventional resources from these regions make further increasing production out of the gas basins in the East (for example, the Marcellus) uneconomic because of the additional pipeline infrastructure costs that would be needed.
Analysis
Due to rising natural gas demand from LNG export projects, electricity generation, and manufacturing demand, pipeline capacity to move natural gas from producing areas to consumption centers is set to increase, exemplified by the construction of the Northeast Supply Enhancement project and the Saguaro project. Pipelines are an essential component of the energy supply chain, providing safe and reliable transportation across the country. As IER’s Alexander Stevens explains, “Pipelines are critical to modern life, delivering the energy and resources that power homes, businesses, and industries. Most importantly, they do so with an impressive safety record, thanks to advanced
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Morocco : Iran War Revives a Decade-Old African Gas-Pipeline Dream
In today’s edition, we look at a giant pipeline project that moved a step closer this week. As well as:
Botswana raises interest rates in a Iran-war first
Senegal removes a barrier to a Sonko presidency
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Taiwan’s leader tried other ways to get to Eswatini
A Plan Comes Together
Some pipe dreams can come true after all.
When Morocco in 2016 came up with the idea of a 4,300-mile (6,900-kilometer) conduit to transfer natural gas from West Africa to the Mediterranean, few thought it feasible.
In the decade since, however, the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline has become a real proposition. A dozen countries have signed on, while energy discoveries in the waters off Senegal and Mauritania have added impetus.
The estimated $25 billion project took another step forward this month.
A Moroccan state-controlled firm said it’ll begin looking at raising some of the funds. Other nations are expected to join a pact later this year to establish a company that would structure financing and development.
ONHYM of Morocco Plans to Start Raising Pipeline Funding
Gas pipeline from Nigeria to Morocco seen costing $25 billion
Source: Bloomberg
With the Iran war in its third month and Europe seeking alternative energy supplies from outside the Middle East, the pipeline looks like a concept whose time has come.
Comprising several segments both offshore and onshore, it will link gas deposits in Nigeria, Senegal and Mauritania with 10 African nations. From Morocco it will connect to the existing Gas Maghreb Europe pipeline to Spain.
The plan envisages combined total capacity of 30 billion cubic meters, although Nigeria’s gas deposits will need massive investment to reach that level. For now, the piece from Senegal onward may be the most immediately doable. The Moroccan firm ONHYM says the first gas from there could arrive in 2031.
It may not be all plain sailing.
Morocco is mired in a long-running feud with Algeria, which proposes a rival pipeline across the Sahara. Mauritania, key to the Moroccan project, will need to avoid angering either of its powerful neighbors.
Also, a recent footballing dispute has strained ties between Morocco and Senegal and Dakar has yet to show it’s as enthused by the plan as Rabat.
But at least the region is waking up to the possibilities.
What’s Everyone Reading
Brent oil surged to a four-year high after Axios reported that Donald Trump will receive a briefing on new military options for action in Iran, signaling the potential for fresh escalation in the Middle East. Washington and Tehran showed little sign of breaking their impasse and agreeing to another round of peace talks, with the US president saying his navy’s blockade is working.
Botswana’s central bank became the first in Africa to raise interest rates because of the energy shock from the Iran war. The nation’s economy was already under strain from one of the worst downturns in the diamond industry, which accounts for the bulk of its exports.
Senegalese lawmakers approved changes to the electoral code that would remove a remaining legal obstacle preventing Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from running for president in 2029. The changes address a long-held grievance that legal proceedings have been used to exclude political rivals, though legislators deny that the law was tailored specifically to exclude Sonko two years ago.
France urged its citizens to leave Mali “as soon as possible” as a separatist group vowed to expand its campaign to oust the nation’s military junta and Islamist militants renewed a threat to blockade the capital. President Assimi Goïta conceded the country is facing a “moment of extreme gravity” after a series of coordinated attacks.
Kenya expects to receive as much as $600 million from the World Bank’s rapid response facility if it seeks support from the lender to cushion the impact from the war in Iran. Data this week showed its economy expanded at the slowest pace in five years while the inflation rate climbed the most in six. Separately, Zambia’s inflation cooled to a more than eight-year low as measures to assist consumers blunted the impact of surging energy costs.
Kenya Inflation Posts Biggest Monthly Jump Since 2020
Source: Kenya National Bureau of Statistics
An exploration company backed by billionaires including Bill Gates and Sam Altman broke ground on what will be Zambia’s biggest copper mine as the global hunt for critical minerals heats up. KoBold Metals’ Mingomba operation will cost more than $2.3 billion to build, making it one of the biggest ever investment projects in the southern African nation.
Next Africa Quiz — At what global sporting event did two African athletes break a barrier that was long considered unthinkable? Send your answers to gbell16@bloomberg.net .
Quote of the Week
“We will fight together against the treacherous attacks of terrorism now intensifying on Malian territory.”
Russian ambassador to Mali Igor Gromyko
What’s Coming Up
May 4: Nigeria PMI report for April, South Africa manufacturing PMI & new-vehicle sales for April, Angola reserves data
May 5: Tunisia inflation data for April, Madagascar interest-rate decision, Kenyan President William Ruto visits Tanzania
May 6: Monthly PMI reports for Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia and Ghana, Rwandan President Paul Kagame is due to visit Botswana
May 7: April reserves data for Egypt and Mauritius, results for Safaricom and Gold Fields
May 8: Inflation data for Tanzania, Seychelles and Mauritius for April, South Africa reserves, Airtel Africa results
Last Word
Germany and the Czech Republic denied requests for Taiwan President Lai Ching-te to transit through Europe earlier this month, dooming his last-minute effort to circumvent a China-backed blockade of his first diplomatic trip to Africa, sources say. That followed three Beijing-friendly African nations closing their airspace to Lai’s plane, cutting off his direct route to Eswatini, Taipei’s only partner on the continent. Lai was due to visit the southern African country for the anniversary of King Mswati III’s coronation.
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US: Xcel Energy gains approval for natural gas plant in southwest Minnesota
MINNEAPOLIS — Xcel Energy will start building a new natural gas power plant this summer in southwest Minnesota after getting approval from state regulators. The 420-megawatt Lyon County Generating Station will be built near Garvin in Lyon County.
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The plant will supply power when wind and solar energy aren’t available and during times of peak demand, such as the hottest and coldest days of the year. Peaking plants don’t run continuously at full capacity. Instead, they operate for a small portion of the year based on grid needs. The plant supports Xcel Energy’s larger plan to retire its remaining coal plants by the end of 2030 while keeping the grid reliable. “As we end our use of coal, we’re bringing gigawatts of new renewables online in southwest Minnesota to serve our customers with clean, cost-effective energy,” said Bria Shea, president of Xcel Energy–Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.
“The Lyon County Generating Station will complement this new wind and solar with always-available energy to meet the needs of our customers when demand is highest.” The plant will also provide grid stability for the upcoming Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line. That line will connect up to 4,000 megawatts of new wind and solar in southwest Minnesota to the existing electric grid at the Sherco Energy Hub in Becker.
The transmission line will deliver enough energy to power more than 1 million homes in the region and across the Upper Midwest. The Lyon County plant will be located next to the Garvin Substation, which will serve as the southern endpoint of the transmission line. The natural gas plant will bring an estimated $300 million in property taxes over the life of the plant. When combined with the new Minnesota Energy Connection transmission line and the planned renewable energy projects, the projects will bring hundreds of construction jobs to the region. Construction on the Lyon County Generating Station will begin late this summer.
The facility will start operating in late 2028. Xcel Energy will continue to work closely with neighboring landowners, local officials and other stakeholders as the project is developed.
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Bulgaria: EWRC has approved a further 5% increase in natural gas prices for Bulgaria
The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission approved yet another increase in the price of natural gas supplied by Bulgargaz. At Thursday’s meeting, the regulator approved a price of 35.98 euros/MWh, excluding access, transmission, excise, and VAT fees for May, representing an increase of about 5% compared to the previous month.
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We recall that in April as well, the energy regulator approved a 5% price increase for the raw material sold by the public supplier to end-users and to entities licensed to produce and transmit thermal energy.
The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) emphasizes that the price of natural gas in Bulgaria remains among the lowest in Europe. According to the regulator, it is about 10 euros/MWh lower compared to the European TTF gas exchange, where May indices are at levels around 46.30 – 46.85 euros per megawatt-hour.
The main factors influencing gas price levels in the coming months are geopolitical risks to supplies along key routes, the filling of storage facilities, and competition for LNG between European and Asian markets, the regulator notes.
However, it emphasizes that thanks to supplies under the long-term contract with Azerbaijan, domestic consumption will be almost entirely covered during the summer months. These volumes play a key role in ensuring favorable prices for the domestic market, and until June of this year, Bulgarian consumers will not feel the sharp price increase that is currently affecting European markets.
However, in July, the price under the contract with Azerbaijan for natural gas supply is set to be updated, taking into account the increased international oil prices, according to the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC).
The price mix for May includes the entire contracted volume of Azerbaijani natural gas delivered via the “Bulgaria – Greece” (IGB) interconnector. Bulgargaz has secured liquefied natural gas (LNG) under contracts with traders, following an organized tender with requirements for a minimum delivery price and a proposed payment method. The price mix also includes a quantity from production at the Chiren gas storage facility.
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Columbia: TC Energy approves $1.5 billion Columbia Gas project after beating profit estimates
May 1 (Reuters) – Canada’s TC Energy (TRP.TO), opens new tab approved a $1.5 billion Columbia Gas expansion project on Friday after robust performance in its North American operations helped it narrowly surpass first-quarter profit expectations.
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The Appalachia Supply Project – expected to start operations in 2030 – is backed by a 20-year contract with a financially strong utility, the company said, and will have the capacity to move up to 0.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day to support new gas-fired power plants.
Major pipeline operators like TC Energy are doubling down in anticipation of surging natural gas demand as liquefied natural gas export facilities expand and power-hungry AI systems, cryptocurrency miners and data centers ramp up electricity use.
Natgas demand on the company’s Columbia Gas System was up by about 50%, and it expected demand to increase by an additional 4 bcfpd by 2035, CEO Francois Poirier said.
TC Energy also highlighted strong load growth from power generation and data centres in the U.S. Midwest, with Poirier noting Ohio was emerging as a major hub.
The company’s adjusted core profit from the U.S. natural gas pipelines, its largest segment, rose about 10% to C$1.50 billion, while earnings from its Canadian natural gas pipelines increased about 3% to C$919 million in the reported quarter.
Quarterly adjusted core profit from its Mexico natural gas pipelines business rose 85.4% to C$432 million.
It also flagged sharp improvement in long‑term cash generation from its nuclear business.
“By 2030, distributions will begin to meaningfully exceed capital spend,” Poirier said.
He said he expected Bruce Power, TC Energy’s nuclear power plant, to generate C$1 billion of annual free cash flow by 2032, which could increase to C$2 billion once a major refurbishment program is completed in 2035.
On an adjusted basis, the company earned 99 Canadian cents ($0.7294) per share for the three months ended March 31, compared with analysts’ average estimate of 98 Canadian cents per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.
($1 = 1.3572 Canadian dollars)
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/tc-energy-beats-first-quarter-profit-estimates-2026-05-01/
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Australia: PV GAS import nearly 120 000 t of LNG and LPG
Just before the 30 April – 1 May 2026 holiday, Vietnam Gas Corp. (PV GAS) imported over 71 000 t of LNG from Australia and 45 000 t of LPG from the US, ensuring a stable energy supply to meet domestic demand and for export.
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For LNG for power generation and industrial needs, PV GAS has received the PACIFIC SUCCESS vessel with over 71 000 t of LNG imported from Australia, and is continuing to arrange additional shipments in 2Q26, including one more shipment scheduled for delivery in May-June 2026.
Alongside its import activities, PV GAS implements proactive and flexible operational solutions, continuously coordinating with the National Power System Operator and Electricity Market Company (NSMO), Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), and Vietnam Oil and Gas Power Corp. (PV Power) to update consumption demand, market developments, and select appropriate times for LNG procurement.
At the same time, PV GAS maintains regular working relationships with international suppliers to monitor supply status and take advantage of optimal purchasing opportunities. These solutions demonstrate the increasingly sophisticated LNG supply chain management capabilities, ensuring the ability to meet demand in volatile market conditions.
For LPG serving industrial production and domestic needs, PV GAS has successfully imported over 45 000 t from the US via the JENGGALA 21 vessel. It is expected that in May 2026, the import volume will reach approximately 100 000 t, contributing to the total import volume in 2Q26 – projected to reach nearly 300 000 t, with diverse sources from the US, the Middle East, and other regions. Besides domestic demand, PV GAS is also serving several export markets such as Cambodia and the Philippines.
Expanding supply sources beyond the traditional Middle East region helps minimise dependence risks while enhancing PV GAS’s proactive management of LPG and LNG supply.
Regarding internal solutions, PV GAS has proactively increased domestic supply by boosting LPG production at the Dinh Co and Ca Mau Gas Processing Plants, in line with the plan to increase natural gas mobilisation to shore. This contributes to an additional 5% of domestic LPG production, reducing pressure on LPG imports and optimising gas supply balance.
Furthermore, the integrated energy solution model continues to be effective, allowing customers to flexibly switch between pipeline gas, CNG, and LNG, replacing LPG when needed, thereby enhancing the adaptability of the supply system to fluctuations in the energy market.
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Natural Gas / LNG Utilization / Bio-LNG
US gas producer pens 20-year offtake with LNG project in Louisiana
Expand Energy, a U.S. independent natural gas producer formed from the merger of Chesapeake Energy and Southwestern Energy in 2024, has signed on the dotted line for a multi-year liquefied natural gas (LNG) offtake with Delfin FLNG 1 in relation to the first floating LNG (FLNG) unit destined to be deployed at an American LNG project under development in Louisiana, United States.
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Expand Energy inked a 20-year sales and purchase agreement (SPA) with Delfin FLNG 1 for around 1.15 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG offtake on April 22, 2026, subject to a final investment decision (FID) being made for the Delfin LNG project, which Delfin Midstream, a U.S.-based LNG export infrastructure development company, is developing in Louisiana.
The SPA enables approximately 1.15 million tonnes of LNG per annum to be bought from Delfin FLNG 1 at a Henry Hub price with a targeted start date in 2031. As a result, the gas producer’s previous SPAs, which were signed with Delfin and Gunvor Group in 2024, have been terminated.
This was for the purchase of 0.5 million tonnes of LNG per year at a Henry Hub price with a contract targeted start date in 2028 to be then delivered to Gunvor on a free-on-board (FOB) basis with the sales price linked to the Japan Korea Marker (JKM) for a period of 20 years, representing 0.5 mtpa of Delfin’s up to 2 mtpa HOA with Gunvor.
Delfin LNG is a brownfield deepwater port requiring minimal additional infrastructure investment to support up to three FLNG vessels producing up to 13.2 mtpa of LNG. The developer acquired the UTOS pipeline, the largest natural gas pipeline in the Gulf of America (U.S. Gulf of Mexico).
The project has received a deepwater port license from the Maritime Administration (MARAD) and approval from the Department of Energy for long-term LNG exports to countries that do not have a free trade agreement (FTA) with the United States.
The latest LNG offtake agreement comes months after Delfin made arrangements to extend a letter of award (LOA) with South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) for the project’s first FLNG unit, following another 20-year deal for 1 million tonnes per annum of LNG from the project.
https://www.offshore-energy.biz/us-gas-producer-pens-20-year-offtake-with-lng-project-in-louisiana/
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War Puts LNG Future in the Spotlight
Asian LNG imports hit a 7-year low as Middle East disruptions cut ~25% of global supply, pushing buyers toward U.S. gas while raising prices and uncertainty over future demand.
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Business model pressure is rising as traditional LNG developers face contract disputes, delays, and weak economics—while integrated players owning gas supply and infrastructure gain an edge.
AI-driven power demand boosts natural gas long-term, but prolonged high prices risk demand destruction.
Imports of liquefied natural gas into Asia last month slumped to the lowest in seven years. The reason, of course, was the war in the Middle East that has choked off about a quarter of global LNG supply, pushing prices higher and spurring a race for limited volumes. Most of those volumes are coming from the United States. Yet a future LNG boom is far from certain.
Earlier this week, Emirati ADNOC said it would invest billions in the U.S. natural gas industry, including production, midstream, and liquefaction, as well as regasification in receiving countries. Any business that the Emirati company builds in the U.S. will also seek to cater to the energy needs of data center operators, the chief executive of ADNOC’s international investment arm, XRG, told the FT this week. A combination of diversification and getting as much exposure to the whole industry appears to be the winning bet.
The idea of owning your own natural gas production and getting it on the water at the lowest possible cost is the right equation for turning a profit selling American gas to the international market, according to U.S. LNG pioneer Charif Souki. The co-founder of Cheniere Energy believes that the business model employed by most of the current generation of LNG developers doesn’t add up because of the low liquefaction fees the developers have agreed to.
According to him, exporters that own their own gas and have access to good pipeline interconnectivity have an advantage over others. For those who build their own facilities, being realistic as to costs and securing the best contractor is critical.
Currently, LNG exporters with a focus on turning other companies’ gas into a commodity that can be exported by sea fund their projects through long-term supply commitment deals with large buyers. This worked well for Venture Capital, for instance, but up to a point, when its so-called foundational investors started suing the company for breaching its long-term contracts to make some quick billions on the spot LNG market during the 2022 crunch. It does not seem to be working so well for others, however.
The operator of Commonwealth LNG, a project in the making, recently said it had terminated a long-term supply deal with Japan’s JERA—the biggest gas buyer in the country. Neither of the companies gave a reason for the termination, but it came at a time when Japanese energy buyers should be rushing to lock in future supply from a secure location outside the Middle East.
The deal was inked last June, for a period of 20 years, for volumes of 1 million tons annually. Commonwealth LNG planned first production in 2029 at the time, but later in the year pushed the start of production forward to 2031. The company blamed the temporary ban on new liquefied natural gas capacity that the Biden administration imposed on the industry in its final year, following a report by an environmentalist that claimed LNG is more harmful than coal for the atmosphere.
There are several new LNG projects in the United States nearing completion. The Energy Information Administration said in its latest Short-Term Energy Outlook that four new export facilities are set to start operation next year, providing a substantial boost to export rates. All of these facilities have cost billions to build—and demand for LNG is currently undergoing what might turn into a structural change. Such a change, if it materializes, would create a risk for the profitability of some LNG plants.
The warning about structural gas demand destruction came from the head of the Gas Exporting Countries’ Forum. Speaking at an industry event in France earlier this month, Philip Mshelbila said that “If the conflict ended today, the world would recover in six months to a year. But if it lasts six months, those knee-jerk changes we are seeing could become structural.”
This is bad news for the pure-play LNG companies. But with diversification in different parts of the industry, such as the one planned by ADNOC and the one suggested by Souki, businesses—and their investors—get some protection from the wiles of international markets heavily influenced by geopolitics while enjoying exposure to the fastest-growing source of electricity demand: data centers.
Gas-powered plants have become a Goldilocks thing for the tech industry. They take less time to build than nuclear and generate baseload power, unlike wind and solar. In the U.S., they also have access to an abundant local natural gas supply. But because new gas-powered plant construction has not exactly been booming in the past decades, turbine manufacturers do not exactly keep massive inventory. Gas pipeline infrastructure has also not kept up with demand trends that only emerged over the past couple of years.
In other words, there are abundant opportunities across the natural gas supply chain that could provide investors in the field with better, more secure returns than narrow exposure to just one part of that supply chain. The global LNG market is changing. It has gone from glut predictions to the most severe supply disruption in weeks. That change might become permanent—or at least quite extended in time—due to the price sensitivity of most LNG buyers. Electricity demand, on the other hand, will remain on the rise thanks to the seemingly unstoppable AI race, while getting additional momentum from the war-related push to reduce dependence on hydrocarbons. Baseload electricity will be the big winner, and with it, the natural gas industry from well to liquefaction train.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
https://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/War-Puts-LNG-Future-in-the-Spotlight.html
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Global LNG Development
Malaysia: Re-entry into Asian LNG project bolsters Eneos’ energy bonds with Petronas
Malaysia’s state-owned oil and gas heavyweight Petronas has shaken hands with Eneos Explora, a subsidiary of Japan’s Eneos Group, on a deal that will enable the latter to rejoin a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that receives gas from offshore fields in Malaysian waters.
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The two companies have reaffirmed their long-standing partnership, first established in 1995, through the signing of definitive agreements formalizing Eneos’ re-entry into Malaysia LNG Tiga (MLNG Tiga), a joint venture involving Petronas and other partners, to liquefy natural gas produced from fields, including the SK-10 Block operated by Eneos Xplora, located off the coast of Sarawak, Malaysia.
Subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions, Eneos will hold a 10% equity stake in MLNG Tiga for the next decade, following the expiry of the previous joint venture agreement in 2023. The new deals were signed by Datuk Adif Zulkifli, Petronas’ Executive Vice President & Chief Executive Officer of Gas & Maritime Business, and Yasuhiko Oshida, Eneos Xplora’s Representative Director and President.
Oshida emphasized: “MLNG Tiga has been a project that has steadily supplied LNG to Japanese buyers since commencing operations in 2003, under the cooperation between our group and Petronas, and we are very pleased to be participating once again.
“While further strengthening our partnership with Petronas, we will also work closely with our fellow shareholders – the Sarawak State Government and Mitsubishi Corporation, to pursue new value creation during the energy transition.”
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Marina Md Taib, Petronas’ Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy, and Jotaro Tomoeda, Executive Officer and Senior Vice President and Head of Business Division 1 at Eneos Xplora.
The agreement is said to reflect the companies’ shared commitment to strengthening long-term energy security and supporting reliable LNG supply to international markets, particularly Japan, amid an increasingly complex and volatile global energy landscape.
Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, Petronas’ President and Group Chief Executive Officer, commented: “LNG continues to play an indispensable role in the global energy mix, bridging the demands of today’s economies while supporting a credible transition toward lower-carbon futures.
“With Asia at the centre of global LNG demand growth, stable supply and long-term partnerships remain fundamental to economic resilience across the region. The collaboration with Eneos which now spans three decades reflects that long-term conviction, one that continues to serve the energy interests of both nations well into the decades ahead.”
As of April 1, 2026, the Eneos Group has consolidated its natural gas and LNG supply chain by transferring Eneos Corporation’s natural gas liquefaction and domestic sales businesses to Eneos Xplora.
Aside from the re-entry into MLNG Tiga, the firm continues to expand its presence in Malaysia through the SK-10 Block gas fields development and production project and its participation in the LNG liquefaction plant operated by Petronas LNG 9 Sdn. Bhd. (PL9SB).
“Eneos’ re-entry into MLNG Tiga reflects shared confidence in the asset’s resilience and long-term role within Asia’s LNG landscape. It also reinforces Petronas’ focus on building a reliable LNG system that continues to deliver value to customers and partners, particularly in important markets such as Japan,” said Zulkifli.
The new agreement is perceived to reinforce continued foreign investor confidence in Malaysia’s investment climate and long-term growth prospects.
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US: The US signs energy deals with Croatia, Bosnia, and Albania for gas and LNG
The US Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the conclusion of multiple agreements between US companies and Balkans countries. Contracts valued at billions were finalized by Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Albania (U.S. DOE press release, 28/04/2026).
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Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina have agreed to construct the Southern Interconnection Gas Pipeline, connecting Bosnia and Herzegovina to Croatia’s gas infrastructure and the LNG terminal on the Adriatic island of Krk. Bosnia and Herzegovina has selected AAFS Infrastructure and Energy, a US-based firm, as the investor and developer for this initiative. The US company committed to investing approximately USD1.5bn in the project. Currently, Bosnia and Herzegovina relies almost entirely on Russia for its gas imports, delivered through pipelines via neighboring Serbia and Bulgaria along the TurkStream corridor.
Croatia and the United States also released a joint declaration on collaboration in civilian nuclear energy, including the deployment of US small modular reactor (SMR) technology in Croatia.
Additionally, in Albania, Venture Global and Aktor LNG USA signed a USD6bn, 20-year contract for LNG exports to Albania. Moreover, the country signed a memorandum of understanding to establish an energy hub in Vlora, featuring a gas-fired power plant, according to the US ambassador.
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Qatar Extends Force Majeure on LNG Supply
State producer QatarEnergy extended force majeure on its liquefied natural gas supply through mid-June, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Strait of Hormuz remains almost entirely closed to tanker traffic.
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QatarEnergy customers received the notice, said the people who asked not to be identified because they weren’t authorized to discuss the matter. QatarEnergy didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Force majeure is declared when extraordinary situations prevent companies from performing on their commercial agreements. QatarEnergy has sent periodic notices on force majeures since the start of the Iran war in late February.
Global gas prices in Europe and Asia have surged since the conflict, with almost one fifth of LNG supplies choked off, including those from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility was damaged from Iranian missile strikes in March.
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Greek: DEPA won Bulgartransgaz’s LNG tender
Greek gas company DEPA won the international LNG tender held by Bulgartransgaz to meet the operational needs of Bulgaria’s transmission system.
The tender process was conducted through the Bulgarian energy exchange (Balkan Gas Hub) and concerned the supply of 500 GWh/0.5 TWh of LNG.
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The cargo will be delivered to the Alexandroupolis FSRU terminal during the first ten days of August, where it will be regasified before being transported to Bulgaria.
“The positive outcome of the recent tender underscores the value of effective cooperation between the parties involved in ensuring energy security,” said Mr Christos Basdekis, coordinating director of trading at DEPA Commercial. “DEPA Commercial is active across natural gas markets in Southeast Europe and aims to continue contributing to security of supply in the region in the coming years.”
https://ceenergynews.com/oil-gas/depa-won-bulgartransgazs-lng-tender/
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Jordan, Syria and Lebanon Agree Gas Swap Deal
From left to right: Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, Jordan’s Energy Minister Saleh al-Kharabsheh and Lebanon’s Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi during their meeting in Amman. (Petra)
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Amman: Asharq Al Awsat 10:34-5 May 2026 AD ـ 18 Thul-Qi’dah 1447 AH 10:34-5 May 2026 AD ـ 18 Thul-Qi’dah 1447 AH TT 20
Jordan’s Energy Minister Saleh al-Kharabsheh announced on Monday that an agreement has been reached for a gas exchange between Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, using infrastructure in Amman to import liquefied natural gas before pumping it to Syria through the Arab Gas Pipeline.
The Jordanian capital hosted a high-level trilateral ministerial meeting on Monday bringing together Kharabsheh, Syrian Energy Minister Mohammed al-Bashir, and Lebanon’s Energy and Water Minister Joe Saddi.
The meeting set the stage for final steps on electricity interconnection projects and natural gas supplies.
As Jordan moves to cement its position as a regional energy hub, Syria and Lebanon appear closer to benefiting from the rehabilitation of the Arab Gas Pipeline and long-stalled electricity interconnection networks.
Syria signed several agreements in January to secure gas for power generation, including a deal to import around 140 million cubic feet per day from Jordan to support its electricity grid. It also signed two memorandums of understanding with Egypt to supply natural gas and petroleum products for electricity generation.
Kharabsheh said joint efforts had reached an advanced stage, paving the way for full implementation details to be announced soon.
Technical teams have completed the necessary studies to rehabilitate networks, he added, stressing that cooperation has moved beyond planning to tangible progress.
This includes importing global gas via Jordan, regasifying it and pumping it into Syria, helping stabilize the country’s energy system.
He said work is now focused on completing similar arrangements with Lebanon after gas networks are repaired, to ensure a smooth transition toward comprehensive electricity interconnection projects.
Bashir said progress had been made in rehabilitating key sections of the Arab Gas Pipeline, which has positively impacted the stability of Syria’s electricity grid and improved service levels.
On electricity interconnection, he noted that several links with Lebanon are ready and technical assessments with Jordan have been completed.
Damascus is working to remove remaining technical obstacles to ensure the rapid transit of gas and electricity to Lebanon, supporting its power generation.
Infrastructure in Syria and Jordan will be used to improve gas supplies to Lebanon, he added.
Saddi described the trilateral cooperation as “an indispensable strategic option” to rebuild the country’s struggling energy sector on sustainable foundations.
He expressed optimism about a near-term timeline that would allow Lebanon to access reliable and lower-cost energy sources, easing the heavy economic burden caused by the fuel crisis and poor power generation.
The ministers stressed that the cooperation goes beyond technical aspects, representing a model for regional integration serving the strategic interests of the three countries.
They agreed to maintain close coordination to finalize contractual arrangements ahead of the full flow of energy, in a move expected to help ease the geopolitical “energy shock” affecting the region.
https://english.aawsat.com/business/5269775-jordan-syria-and-lebanon-agree-gas-swap-deal
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Edison sees Qatar restarting LNG supply in 30-45 days after peace
MILAN, May 8 (Reuters) – QatarEnergy’s European customer Edison (EDNn.MI), opens new tab expects the Gulf producer to restart supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 30-45 days after a peace deal, but at lower volumes than before the Iran war, the Italian group CEO said on Friday.
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Qatar declared Force Majeure on its long-term contract for Edison earlier this year and cancelled so far 12 LNG cargoes due to be delivered to Italy between April and the beginning of July.
“If there were a lasting peace agreement tomorrow morning, I think that within a month, or a month and a half, producers in the Gulf area could resume producing energy. As for Qatar, after a month or a month and a half, we should expect LNG to resume, but at a more limited supply than before,” Edison CEO Nicola Monti said at an event in Milan.
Reporting by Francesca Landini, editing by Gianluca Semeraro
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Edison sees Qatar restarting LNG supply in 30-45 days after peace
MILAN, May 8 (Reuters) – QatarEnergy’s European customer Edison (EDNn.MI), opens new tab expects the Gulf producer to restart supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 30-45 days after a peace deal, but at lower volumes than before the Iran war, the Italian group CEO said on Friday.
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Qatar declared Force Majeure on its long-term contract for Edison earlier this year and cancelled so far 12 LNG cargoes due to be delivered to Italy between April and the beginning of July.
“If there were a lasting peace agreement tomorrow morning, I think that within a month, or a month and a half, producers in the Gulf area could resume producing energy. As for Qatar, after a month or a month and a half, we should expect LNG to resume, but at a more limited supply than before,” Edison CEO Nicola Monti said at an event in Milan.
Reporting by Francesca Landini, editing by Gianluca Semeraro
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Türkiye seeks to expand Algeria LNG deal to 6.5 bcm annually: Energy Minister
Türkiye plans to renew and expand its liquefied natural gas agreement with Algeria this year, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Friday, with annual volumes potentially rising to as much as 6.5 billion cubic meters (bcm).
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Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Complex in Ankara, Bayraktar stated that the two countries discussed energy cooperation, particularly LNG trade, as well as oil and natural gas exploration activities during the Türkiye-Algeria High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting chaired by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Ankara eyes LNG contract lasting up to 10 years
The minister noted that the current LNG agreement between the two countries covers 4.4 billion cubic meters annually and is set to expire in September 2027.
“We hope to sign a new agreement within this year,” Bayraktar remarked, adding that Türkiye is ready to increase annual LNG imports from Algeria to between 6 billion and 6.5 billion cubic meters and extend the contract period by five to 10 years.
He stressed that Türkiye is prepared to offer such guarantees to Algeria, unlike European countries, which have struggled to provide long-term purchase commitments.
In 2025, Türkiye’s LNG imports reached 17 bcm, accounting for roughly 30% of total natural gas purchases, while the proposed Algerian shipments would make up around 30% of the country’s total LNG imports, according to official data.
Algerian gas could reach Europe via Türkiye
Bayraktar also pointed to plans that could allow Algerian LNG to be transported onward to Southeast Europe through Türkiye.
Under the proposal, LNG shipments would first arrive in Türkiye before part of the supply is regasified at Turkish facilities and delivered to Europe, particularly through Bulgaria, he explained.
In a social media post, Bayraktar also revealed that another key topic during the talks was cooperation between Türkiye’s state energy company, TPAO, and Algeria’s national oil and gas firm, Sonatrach.
The sides discussed conducting oil and natural gas exploration activities in Algerian waters using Türkiye’s seismic research and drilling vessels, he added.
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Mexico: Sempra nears LNG milestone in Mexico
US-based Sempra Energy expects to produce the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its Energía Costa Azul LNG project in Baja California, Mexico, in June, CEO Jeff Martin said on Thursday.
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“We’re targeting substantial completion this summer. At that point, we’ll begin recognizing LNG revenues with long-term contracted sales and full commercial operations commencing shortly thereafter,” Martin told a Q1 earnings call.
Sempra Infrastructure, the subsidiary developing the US$2.5 billion (bn) project, has started introducing feed gas into the facility from the Gasoducto Rosarito pipeline.
“The project is moving along, and we look forward to upcoming project milestones,” Sempra Infrastructure CEO Justin Bird said.
French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies has a 16.6% stake in the project. The first phase of ECA LNG has capacity of 3.25 million metric tons per year (Mt/y).
Sempra has not made a final investment decision on a much larger second phase at ECA LNG, which could produce about 12Mt/y of LNG.
Earlier in 2026, the company abandoned plans to develop Vista Pacífico, a mid-scale LNG export project planned for the port of Topolobampo in Sinaloa state.
Sempra is refocusing its business on utilities in the US and is selling a majority stake in Sempra Infrastructure to a consortium of private equity firms led by KKR.
Wind
Sempra Infrastructure has also begun commercial operations at Cimarron Wind, a 320MW wind farm in Baja California.
The wind farm has a 20-year power purchase agreement with Silicon Valley Power for the long-term supply of renewable energy to the city of Santa Clara, California.
https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/sempra-nears-lng-milestone-in-mexico
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LNG as a Marine Fuel/Shipping
Canada’s FortisBC completes 10,000th LNG bunkering
Surrey, B.C.-based FortisBC Energy Inc. (FortisBC) has reached a major milestone with the completion of its 10,000th liquefied natural gas (LNG) refueling event for marine vessels.
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Since initiating LNG bunkering operations in 2016, FortisBC has steadily expanded its capabilities and partnerships―including a landmark agreement with the Musqueam Indian Band to collaborate on LNG projects― helping vessel operators transition away from higher‑emitting fuels.
FortisBC continues to focus on meeting demand and advocating for expanded LNG refuelling infrastructure to position British Columbia as a leading marine bunkering hub.
“Reaching our 10,000th LNG bunkering delivery is a testament to the innovation, collaboration and long‑term commitment that defines FortisBC’s approach to providing increased access to lower carbon intensity marine energy compared with traditional marine fuels,” said Mike Leclair, vice president of major projects and LNG at FortisBC. “This milestone reflects not just the growth of our LNG capabilities, but also the shared effort to build a sustainable future for marine transportation with made-in-B.C. refueling solutions.”
The delivery follows a year of noteworthy firsts at the Port of Vancouver for LNG produced at the FortisBC’s Tilbury facility and delivered through Seaspan Energy LNG bunker vessels, including Canada’s first ship-to-ship LNG transfer, the first LNG transfer to a car carrier and the first cruise ship bound for Alaska fueled with LNG. In Vancouver’s English Bay, the first ship-to-ship LNG transfer to a container vessel was also completed.
A key driver of this growth in LNG bunkerings has been FortisBC’s collaboration with Seaspan Ferries and BC Ferries to develop proprietary tanker‑truck technology that enables safe and efficient LNG fuelling directly onboard vessels. The Seaspan Swift ferry was the first in North America to receive LNG fuel via delivery truck on-board an open vehicle deck.
“As Canada looks to double exports to non-U.S. markets in the next 10 years, the Port of Vancouver will play an outsized role in moving more of what Canadians make, mine, harvest and grow–and we know that must be done with care for the environment,” said Alexa Young, vice president of government, external and environmental affairs at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “LNG bunkering has an important part to play as the first alternative fuel available in significant quantities for the maritime sector. We’ve seen cruise, cargo and container ships all embrace LNG since its introduction to the port last year through approved provider Seaspan Energy, helping reduce air pollutant emissions while keeping Canadian cargo moving.”
https://www.marinelog.com/news/canadas-fortisbc-completes-10000th-lng-bunkering/
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UAE: First full gas tanker exits Strait of Hormuz since Iran war began
A tanker ship passed through the Strait of Hormuz headed for China on Monday — the first shipment of natural gas to successfully exit the Persian Gulf since the start of the war with Iran.
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Liquefied natural gas tanker Mubaraz, loaded with more than 130,000 cubic meters of gas from the United Arab Emirates, had been loitering in the contested waterway when its transponder went off in late March, according to financial data provider LSEG.
The signal finally reappeared Monday west of the Indian coast, indicating it had managed to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, through which passes 20% of the world’s natural oil and gas supplies, reported the Wall Street Journal.
Mubaraz has become the first full gas tanker to successfully navigate the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the Iran war. National Gas Shipping Co
The ship is now en route to Tianjin, northern China, according to ship-tracker MarineTraffic.
The Mubaraz is managed by a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi’s state-owned oil company, ADNOC.
Earlier in April, an empty gas tanker crossed the Strait of Hormuz after spending weeks idling south of Pakistan.
More than a dozen gas tankers are still trapped inside the Persian Gulf, according to analysts.
Last week, the number of ships passing through the Strait fell to its lowest level since the start of the war on Feb. 28, after the US blockaded the waterway to top Iranian-linked tankers.
Iran has previously threatened and attacked commercial ships that tried to pass through Hormuz without paying a toll.
The ship is now west of India, after turning its signal off in late March. Marine Traffic data
Just 35 transits were made in the week of April 20 to April 26, down from 78 the previous week, according to data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence.
Of the 35 ships, 24 were linked to Iranian trade, including 16 involving vessels belonging to the Islamic regime’s sanction-evading shadow fleet.
Before the war, some 130 ships crossed the Strait every day to reach markets, particularly those in Asia.
It comes as Iran renewed its attacks on commercial ships on April 19, a week after the US blockade began.
Lloyd’s numbers only include large cargo ships of more than 10,000 tons.
https://www.aol.com/news/first-full-gas-tanker-exits-222212779.html
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South Korea’s KSS Line places order for three newbuild VLGCs
South Korea’s KSS Line announced its investment in three very large gas carriers (VLGC) through a newbuilding order with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. These vessels are scheduled to be delivered sequentially starting from the first quarter of 2029.
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The order is valued at KRW700 billion ($515 million) in total, which the company noted represents approximately 124 per cent of its revenue recorded last year. Long-term charter agreements have been secured for the fleet with energy firms BGN Group and GYXIS.
BGN Group will charter two of the vessels for a period of seven years in a deal worth approximately KRW514.3 billion. This arrangement follows the renewal of charter contracts for six other vessels with the same group in January.
The remaining vessel is assigned to GYXIS for five years under a contract valued at KRW185.2 billion. Chief Executive Officer Park Chan-do stated the company is strengthening its presence in the gas carrier sector despite global economic challenges and external uncertainties.
The vessels are designed to navigate both the old and new Panama Canals, which the company noted is expected to minimise risks of canal congestion. These ships will feature LPG dual-fuel propulsion engines.
Following the delivery of these ships, the company stated six of its medium and large-sized gas carriers will utilise dual-fuel technology.
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Finland: A Wins Four-Vessel LNG Bunkering Systems Deal
The vessels, ordered by GSX Energy, are being built at Nantong CIMC Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering, it said in an email statement on Monday.
Two were booked in Q1, with two more added in Q2.
Wartsila Gas Solutions will provide full system engineering alongside equipment deliveries, with the first shipments set for December 2026.
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The deal comes as LNG continues to gain traction as a transition fuel, with more than 1,150 LNG dual-fuel vessels expected globally by 2028, which would drive demand for bunkering capacity.
“As we see LNG as an enabler of a greener future for shipping, our cargo handling and fuel gas supply systems deliver efficient support for bunkering vessels serving LNG-fuelled ships,” Barry Yang, Sales Manager China at Wartsila Gas Solutions, said.
Wartsila has previously delivered similar systems to the Nantong yard across multiple gas carrier segments.
https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/750389-wartsila-wins-four-vessel-lng-bunkering-systems-deal
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World’s largest LNG-powered container ship passes Suez Canal
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, has announced that traffic through the Canal has witnessed the transit of the mega container ship CMA CGM GRAND PALAIS, the newest and largest environmentally-friendly container ship, on its first voyage through the Canal amongst vessels of the southern convoy after its safe navigation through the Strait of Bab El-Mandab on its way from Singapore to Malta.
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The vessel affiliated to CMA CGM is considered the world’s largest LNG-powered container ship, and it operates as part of the MEX maritime service connecting ports of The Far East and the Mediterranean.
The vessel is 400 m in length, has a beam of 61 m, a maximum capacity of 23 876 TEUs and a tonnage of 240 000 t.
In accordance with the Suez Canal Authority’s protocol for vessels transiting through the Canal for the first time, Rabiee delegated Chief Pilots Captain Samir Jaafar, Captain Magdy El-Rafei, and Captain Hazem Ghaith to board the ship, welcome its crew, and present a commemorative gift to the ship’s master.
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Imabari Shipbuilding Delivers 209,000 DWT LNG Dual-Fuel Bulker RURI PLANET
Recently, Japanese shipbuilder Imabari Shipbuilding’s Saijo Shipyard successfully delivered the “RURI PLANET,” a 209,000 DWT liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel bulk carrier.
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This vessel features main dimensions of 299.99 meters in overall length, 50.00 meters in width and 25.00 meters in depth, with a deadweight of 210,079 tons and a gross tonnage of 111,238. It is powered by a 7S60ME-C10.5-GI main engine and has a service speed of approximately 14.0 knots. The ship is classed by NK and registered under the flag of Liberia.
The LNG fuel tanks on the “RURI PLANET” are located aft of the upper deck accommodation area to ensure cargo capacity comparable to that of heavy fuel oil carriers and to achieve high transport efficiency. Each cargo hold is equipped with top tanks and hopper tanks, making it suitable for carrying solid bulk cargoes such as iron ore and coal. The design is intended to more efficiently load and transport high-density (3 tons/cubic meter) bulk cargoes, with iron ore being the primary cargo.
When using heavy fuel oil, the vessel complies with both Phase 2 and Phase 3 EEDI requirements (achieving at least a 30% reduction in emissions compared to the reference value); when using LNG, CO₂ emissions can be further reduced by approximately 20–30%, with virtually no sulfur oxide emissions.
In terms of environmental technology, the main engine is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system to reduce sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions; Both the generator and auxiliary boilers are dual-fuel types, allowing for the utilization of boil-off gas (BOG) generated in the LNG fuel tanks to prevent waste; the vessel’s propulsion performance and environmental performance have been improved through the installation of energy-saving appendages and twisted rudders (a new type of energy-saving appendage) near the propellers, a bow shape designed to reduce propulsion drag, and the use of hull coatings that minimize friction.
https://www.imarinenews.com/34813.html
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Malaysia: MISC names two new LNG carriers, strengthens partnership with ExxonMobil unit
KUALA LUMPUR: MISC Bhd announced the naming of two new-generation liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers, Seri Dian and Seri Dayang, further strengthening its long-standing partnership with Seariver Maritime LLC (SRM), a wholly-owned subsidiary of ExxonMobil.
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The group said that with the addition of the two vessels, MISC now has four LNG carriers under long-term charter with SRM, reflecting continued confidence in MISC’s ability to deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations.
“Built by Hanwha Ocean Co Ltd, these LNG carriers, with a capacity of 174,000 cubic metres each, are equipped with smart and energy-efficient technology, including the Intelligent Control by Exhaust Recycling (ICER) system.
“The vessels are also equipped with an enhanced cargo retention system featuring a low boil-off rate to improve efficiency and support safer operations,” it said in a statement today.
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Bangladesh: Govt imports 3 cargoes of LNG in May, 8 more underway
DHAKA, May 9, 2026 (BSS) – As part of the government efforts, three cargoes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) having 96 MMBtu (Metric Million British Thermal Unit) were imported from spot market till today while eight more cargoes are coming for maintaining the supply chain in May.
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“More eight LNG cargoes will also be imported from different markets to meet gas demand, while a deal was signed for importing another four cargoes in June,” AKM Mizanur Rahman, Director, Petrobangla, told BSS here today.
He said the state-run Petrobangla has secured a total of 11 LNG cargoes for the month of May, of which three were brought till today.
Besides, the government confirmed four LNG cargoes from spot market and made a long-term agreement for meeting demand in June, while more cargoes are underway, he added.
According to relevant sources, the government has been continuing LNG imports regularly, and preparations are underway to procure LNG from alternative sources, ensuring that there is no risk of disruption in gas supply.
According to Rupantarita Prakritik Gas Company Limited (RPGCL), a total of nine cargoes of LNG were imported throughout April. Of which, eight cargoes were brought from spot market and one from QatarEnergy Trading (QET) under the long-term agreement.
It said that the LNG was brought from Australia, the United States (US) and African country Angola.
https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/385587
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Technological Development for Cleaner and Greener Environment Hydrogen & Bio-Methane
Australia shortlists hydrogen projects
On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced the shortlisted projects for Round 2 of the Hydrogen Headstart Program, marking a major step forward in scaling Australia’s renewable hydrogen industry.
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The projects selected to progress to the next stage in the application process are some of the most advanced large scale renewable hydrogen proposals in the country, spanning multiple states and a range of end uses, including ammonia and alternative fuels.
The Australian Government has revised the amount of funding allocated to the programme in the 2026 Federal Budget to AU$1?billion, and ARENA will now invite shortlisted projects to submit full applications. The full application phase includes a rigorous assessment process and detailed due diligence. Applicants must satisfy program criteria, with only those that meet a high merit threshold being considered for funding.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the level of engagement in Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart demonstrates that industry remains committed to building a renewable hydrogen sector in Australia.
“Renewable hydrogen presents Australia with a significant economic and decarbonisation opportunity. Its potential to develop low-emission fuels for aviation and shipping, as well as key inputs for fertilizer could also help improve the nation’s energy resilience in the longer term.
“Renewable hydrogen is a complex, capital-intensive industry and progress takes time, but it is a critical enabler of industrial decarbonisation, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. What we’re seeing are expressions of interest that are considered and well aligned to future market demand.”
The shortlisted applicants are:
|
Applicant |
Project title |
Electrolysis facility size (MW) |
State |
Hydrogen end use |
|
Bell Bay Powerfuels Pty Ltd |
Bell Bay Powerfuels |
300 |
TAS |
Methanol |
|
European Energy Australia Pty Ltd |
South East Queensland Power-to-X Project |
150 |
QLD |
Methanol |
|
HAMR Energy Pty Ltd |
Portland Renewable Fuels Project |
220 |
VIC |
Methanol and SAF |
|
HIF Asia Pacific Pty Limited |
HIF Tasmania e-Fuel Facility |
140 |
TAS |
Methanol |
|
Murchison Hydrogen Renewables Pty Ltd |
Murchison Green Hydrogen Project Stage 1B |
500 |
WA |
Ammonia |
|
Perdaman Commercial Developments Pty Ltd |
Perdaman Helios (Karratha): Decarbonising Fertilisers |
750 |
WA |
Urea |
|
Summit Hydro Pty Ltd |
Gladstone Green Hydrogen Project |
120 |
QLD |
Alumina |
Announced in the 2023-24 Budget, the Hydrogen Headstart Program aims to catalyse Australia’s hydrogen industry to take advantage of the country’s opportunity to be a global hydrogen leader.
Round 2 of Hydrogen Headstart builds on ARENA’s existing support of renewable hydrogen, with the Agency having already committed more than AU$1.2 billion to two projects in Round 1, and over AU$396 million to 68 renewable hydrogen projects since 2017 through other funding programs.
Under the Program, projects seeking to produce renewable hydrogen, or derivatives, can apply for a production credit delivered over ten years to bridge the commercial gap between the cost of producing renewable hydrogen and market prices.
Shortlisted applicants now have until early September 2026 to submit their full application. Following the assessment phase, a recommendation will be made to the Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, for approval on which projects will receive support.
Source: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/13052026/australia-shortlists-hydrogen-projects/
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Uniper prepares for hydrogen ready plant
The cooling towers of units D and E at Uniper’s Gelsenkirchen-Scholven power plant were demolished today as planned. At exactly 11:00 a.m., Thüringer Sprenggesellschaft GmbH gave the signal for the controlled demolition of the two 114 m tall structures.
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Immediately after ignition, the two cooling towers fell toward each other as planned. Around 15 000 t of concrete will be processed on-site and recycled into construction material, which will then be used to backfill the excavation pits.
Dr. Arne Bayer, Head of Asset Development, commented: “Decommissioning projects like this are technically demanding and place high requirements on planning and execution. All the more reason to thank the entire team and our partners for their professional work. Decommissioning is not an end, but creates space for new things: at Scholven, we are paving the way for a future-proof energy infrastructure and for Uniper’s commitment to continuing to supply Germany reliably with clean, flexible, and dispatchable electricity.”
Cooling towers G and H at the Scholven power plant had already been successfully demolished using the same proven demolition method in 2008 and 2015. In 2025, cooling tower F, the turbine table in machine room F, boiler house F, and the flue gas denitrification system (DeNOx) were also demolished.
A new hydrogen-capable combined-cycle gas turbine plant (CCGT plant) is to be built on the site of the demolished cooling towers. The project is earmarked for participation in the planned auctions under the StromVKG and is a key element of the transformation at the Scholven site. The modern CCGT plant is designed to eventually use hydrogen as well, thereby making an important contribution to decarbonisation and to securing electricity supply in an energy system increasingly shaped by renewable energies.
Another key transformation project at the Scholven site is the ammonia demonstration cracker. In cooperation with thyssenkrupp Uhde, Uniper is creating the foundation for scaling ammonia cracking technology. The goal is to eventually enable up to six commercial plants for the hydrogen import terminal in Wilhelmshaven that efficiently convert imported ammonia into hydrogen. The project thus makes an important contribution to establishing robust import routes for green hydrogen and to supplying industry and the energy system.
Today’s demolition was carried out by Thüringer Sprenggesellschaft, a specialist company with over 30 years of experience. Safety was the top priority throughout. In close coordination with the responsible authorities, the city of Gelsenkirchen, grid operator Amprion, and neighbouring companies, Uniper and demolition firm Regrata implemented a comprehensive safety concept.
An exclusion zone of over 300 m was established around the cooling towers. Buerelterstraße and Feldhauser Straße had to be closed during the demolition. No evacuation of local residents was required; they were informed in advance in writing about the safety measures and behavioural guidelines.
Source: https://www.globalhydrogenreview.com/hydrogen/11052026/uniper-prepares-for-hydrogen-ready-plant/
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Three companies develop liquid hydrogen supply chain
MB Energy, Daimler Truck AG and Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) to establish a liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Europe via the Port of Hamburg, Germany. The agreement was signed during the ‘Hamburg Port Anniversary’, one of the world’s largest port festivals, underlining Hamburg’s aspired strategic role as a key energy hub for Europe.
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Under this agreement, the three companies will use their respective expertise and proceed with specific studies to establish an economically viable liquefied hydrogen supply chain to the port of Hamburg. The objective is to achieve Commercial Operation Date (COD) for the supply of liquefied hydrogen and hydrogen by the early 2030s. Building on the existing memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a Japan-Germany hydrogen supply chain, the partners will drive the international expansion of their hydrogen-related business, while contributing to the enhancement of global energy security and the realisation of a decarbonised society for a sustainable future.
Volker Ebeling, Senior Vice President New Energy, Supply & Infrastructure at MB Energy, commented: “Hydrogen can become a key enabler for Europe’s energy transition, and Hamburg is ideally positioned to become Germanys main gateway. We are combining MB Energy’s infrastructure, our service station network and our trading expertise with Daimler Truck’s next generation hydrogen truck developments and Kawasaki’s pioneering hydrogen storage and shipping technologies. Jointly we are working to build a scalable, international hydrogen import corridor for Europe.”
“Establishing a reliable liquefied hydrogen supply chain contributes to energy security as well as increased sustainability. Together with our partners, we aim to deliver this as an integrated end-to-end solution”, he continued.
MB Energy is regarded as a highly capable partner, bringing decades of expertise in fuel sourcing, trading and logistics, as well as the strength of its established supply chain and service station network, including the conversion of sites at key long-haul logistics hubs for LH2.
Daimler Truck is committed to a dual-track strategy in decarbonising transport with battery-electric and hydrogen powered drive solutions. The company aims to bring 100 liquid hydrogen powered fuel cell trucks into customer operations from the end of 2026 onwards. Series production for hydrogen powered fuel cell trucks is targeted for the early 2030s when the company expects to see the availability of the necessary infrastructure and through agreements like this also the availability of liquid hydrogen at competitive market prices.
Manfred Schuckert, Head of Regulatory Strategy at Daimler Truck, said: “Scaling hydrogen-powered trucks across Europe in the next decade will only be possible if a reliable and competitive supply of liquid hydrogen is in place. This agreement is essential because it brings key partners together to jointly study and shape a liquefied hydrogen supply chain to Europe, with a clear focus on feasibility, scalability and long-term impact. For heavy-duty transport, liquid hydrogen offers the energy density and operational flexibility needed for long-haul applications, but its potential can only be unlocked through coordinated action along the entire value chain.”
“Kawasaki Heavy Industries welcomes this Hamburg-centred initiative as a key step in building a hydrogen supply chain to Japan and Germany,” added Kei Nomura, Executive Officer and General Manager, Hydrogen Strategy Division. “By bringing our liquefied hydrogen technologies to Europe, we aim to support industrial and heavy-duty vehicle demand and help establish a scalable international hydrogen corridor that strengthens competitiveness, resilience, and climate neutrality.”
Kawasaki Heavy Industries will provide its expertise in the design and manufacture of essential infrastructure, including hydrogen liquefiers, liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage tanks, and LH2 carrier ships, which are critical to the establishment of international liquefied hydrogen supply chains. As expectations for hydrogen energy grow in the pursuit of a decarbonised society, this collaboration aims to establish efficient transportation routes from potential hydrogen-producing countries to Germany. By doing so, we will promote the utilisation of hydrogen across European industries, starting with Daimler Truck’s Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).
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