U.S. EIA LNG Export Weekly Update January 4th, 2018

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) natural gas weekly update released January 4th, 2018 noted four LNG vessels (LNG-carrying capacity 15.2 Bcf combined) departed the Sabine Pass liquefaction facility last week (Thursday to Wednesday) and one tanker (LNG-carrying capacity 3.8 Bcf) was loading at the terminal on Wednesday.

According to Bloomberg, Sabine Pass finished 2017 with its highest monthly export total. In December, 25 tankers left the terminal, exceeding the previous monthly highs of 22 tankers in October and November. The Cove Point LNG export facility in Lusby, Maryland is continuing commissioning work with commercial operations anticipated early this year.

The EIA update also noted total U.S. consumption of natural gas rose by 26% compared with the previous report week, as cold temperatures affected much of the country. Total U.S. consumption reached an all-time high on January 1, 2018. Natural gas consumed for power generation climbed by 18% week over week. Industrial sector consumption increased by 8% week over week. In the residential and commercial sectors, consumption increased by 39%. Natural gas exports to Mexico decreased 5%.