This week, it’s all about liquefied natural gas (LNG), as Asian
markets eye a potential reduction in prices once US exports pick up
momentum, Central Europe sends a desperate plea to Washington for
exports, and the specter of a potential partnership between Ukraine and
Turkey could spark off a major European energy coup.
First, the energy ambassador for the Czech Republic, Vaclav Bartuska, and his Hungarian counterpart Anita Orban penned a desperate letter
to the Washington Post, noting that the US is now in a position to
export gas and Central Europe is anxiously hoping to be on the receiving
end of this largesse.
Thanks to the shale gas boom in the US, they write, “this surplus
creates opportunities for the United States to again be a geopolitical
player in Europe […] Our countries’ commitment to the transatlantic
relationship is unwavering. But we remain vulnerable to energy diplomacy
because of our overwhelming reliance on Russian gas and oil.”
US
companies seeking to export gas to countries that do not have free-trade
agreements with the United States are subject to lengthy bureaucratic
procedures. Almost two dozen export license applications are pending;
only a few have been granted in the past three years.
Congress,
working with the Administration, can help US companies gain new business
opportunities while also helping the United States and its allies
diversify their energy sources. This would create a win-win situation,
the letter reads.
"By making strategic choices, the United States
could demonstrate, once again, that it considers the Czech Republic,
Hungary, Slovakia and Poland close allies and start a new, even closer,
chapter in bilateral relations."
At the same time, large-scale
Asian gas importers are also eyeing more US exports, which would put
downward pressure on the premium prices Asian countries are now paying
for LNG. Speaking at global energy forum in Washington, DC,
earlier this week, Asian utility and gas companies noted that North
American gas wealth could be a global game-changer and lead to the first
significant West-to-East gas trade, keeping in mind that Asia consumes
two-thirds of the world’s LNG at present, according to an article in The Washington Post.
(A
quick note to those of you holding positions in refining stocks. Dan
Dicker has put together a very interesting report on why most refiners
will sell off going into their quarterly reports and go down further
upon their release. But he has spotted an opportunity here that
investors in the sector will definitely want to see. You can read Dan’s
report for free when you start a 30 day free trial to Oilprice Premium – click here.)
Not
only are Europe and Asia eager to get their hands on US gas exports,
but one of America’s most respected economists says it makes sense for
the US economy, too. In a recent interview with Oilprice.com, economist Tyler Cowen noted:
“Trade benefits both nations. And it will encourage the supply of gas
all the more in the longer run. This is a win-win, and I see no good
reason to restrict exports. [...] The overall record of the US federal
government is pro-business and pro-export, and I see no reason to bet
against that record this time around.”
I also wanted to mention
that we have returned to the 30 day free trial for Oilprice Premium and
if you haven’t had a chance to see what Premium is all about please take
a moment to find out more. We have superb reports this week from Dave
Forest and Dan Dicker that look at Canada’s real shale potential and
what investors should be looking at and two trade ideas from Dan that
look at refining stocks and the back of the crude curve (Don’t miss this
one) Click here for more info.
James Stafford
Editor, Oilprice.com
http://oilprice.com/Energy/Natural-Gas/This-Week-in-Energy-Its-All-About-Liquefied-Natural-Gas.html
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