Argentina Buy Tender Due in October

摘要

Argentinean state-run Enarsa will issue a tender to buy LNG supplies for 2013 in October, a company official tells WGI. The tender will be for 37-40 cargoes, about 30% fewer than the 54-56 cargoes expected this year, with the official saying Argentina will turn to the spot market to meet any demand on top of that. State-controlled YPF, which will manage the purchases on Enarsa's behalf, is expected to approve the final tender draft this week. It will be closely watched by utilities and traders, who are currently being hit by weak demand in Asia as well as Europe, where pipeline deliveries appear to be meeting requirements. Delivery prices into Argentina's Bahia Blanca and Escobar terminals are expected to range from $13-$14 per million Btu - now higher than spot prices in what is normally the premium Asian market. Enarsa originally planned to import 80 cargoes this year, but in August slashed the total by almost 30% as winter was milder than expected and pipeline imports from Bolivia were higher. This will make 2012 the first year since 2008 that LNG imports haven't increased year-on-year (WGI Aug.22'12). Argentina last month agreed a new interruptible contract with Bolivia's state YPFB that should boost pipeline imports by up to 2.7 million cubic meters per day this year and by 3.3 MMcm/d in 2013.