The ongoing gas crisis is expected to get worse as an Italian company responsible for delivering a LNG consignment scheduled for in the beginning of February will not be able to do so, citing unavoidable circumstances [force majeure].
According to a Ministry of Energy official, ENI had informed that it would not be able to ship the LNG cargo on due date – February 6-7.
“The gas deficit will soar as imported LNG will reduce to 700mmcfd as only five cargoes, at the price of 13.37% of Brent, and 2 cargoes, at 10.2% of Brent under GtG agreements with Qatar, would be available in February. There will be no LNG cargo from ENI at the cost of 12.14% in the month of February. And this will increase the gas crisis in the country.”
The government under its gas load management plan promised gas supply to domestic consumers for cooking times in winter — three hours in the morning from 6am to 9am, two hours from 12 noon to 2pm for lunch, and three hours from 6pm to 9pm for dinner. The ground realities speak otherwise.
Relevant authorities say the impact of ENI backing out will come in the shape of reduced supplies to the power sector and the projected supply of 325mmcfd to the sector next month will not be available.
