Natural Gas Imports Are Flat, While Exports Are Up, in First Quarter 2009, Says Energy Department; LNG Cargoes Are Up, but Prices Are Down

摘要

The Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy (OFE) reported U.S. imports totaling 1,021.2 Bcf of natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) during the first quarter (1Q) of 2009. Exports totaled 331.5 Bcf, resulting in net imports of 689.7 Bcf. The report compares new data with data for the previous quarter (4Q 2008) as well as the same quarter last year (1Q 2008).1 Imports were flat compared to 4Q 2008 but down 9% compared to 1Q 2008, according to OFE. In contrast, exports were up 20.8% compared to the last quarter and up 3.4% compared to the year-ago level. Imports of LNG also increased (up 16.7% and 14.1%, respectively) compared to 4Q and 1Q 2008, respectively. Exports of LNG fell 16.4% from the 4Q 2008 level but rose 3.5% compared to 1Q 2008. As for the bottom line, average prices "were down all around."