LNG Traders Redirect U.S. Cargoes from Europe to Asia Amid Price Shifts

In a smart move driven by market changes, traders have redirected four U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Europe to Asia over the past two weeks. This news, reported on May 2, 2025, comes as European gas prices have dropped below Asia’s benchmark of 11.80 per million USD British thermal units (mmBtu). The decision shows how quickly the global LNG market reacts to price differences and why Asia is becoming a hotter destination for traders looking to make more money.

These redirected shipments, including the first load from the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim project, weren’t sent to Asia because of a huge spike in demand there. Instead, traders saw a chance to earn bigger profits. Europe’s gas prices have gone down because the region has plenty of gas stored up and the weather hasn’t been too cold, so they don’t need as much LNG right now. Meanwhile, Asian countries like India and China are offering better deals, even though China’s imports of U.S. LNG are tricky due to trade tariffs. Some chatter on X pointed out that traders are just following the money, focusing on profits rather than who needs the gas most.

This shift fits into bigger trends in the LNG world. India, for example, is buying more LNG and expects to double its imports by 2030 to keep up with its growing energy needs. At the same time, U.S.-China trade issues have led Chinese buyers to resell some U.S. LNG, with countries like India stepping in to buy it. A recent deal saw Indian Oil sign a 1.4 billion USD contract with Trafigura for 2.5 million tonnes of LNG over five years.

These changes show how flexible LNG traders are in chasing the best deals. But they also raise questions about whether Europe will have enough gas if demand picks up and how Asia will handle price swings. As traders focus on profits, the global LNG market keeps shifting, influenced by money and politics.