January 4, 2024 [RBN Energy]- Total U.S. feedgas demand averaged 14.2 Bcf/d in December, up 300 MMcf/d over November levels and a record high. Feedgas intake was strong at every terminal, but particularly at Sabine Pass and Cameron, both of which had record levels of intake last month.

It was also a record-breaking month for LNG sendout. The U.S. exported 121 total LNG cargoes in December, 11 more than the previous all-time high. Just over 60% of those cargoes went to Europe.

The total number of cargoes the U.S. has exported to Europe has been stable since October. U.S. exports to Asia increased month-on-month with the higher level of total U.S. exports.

Exporting to Asia is currently somewhat complicated given the conflict in the Red Sea making passage through the Suez Canal increasingly difficult and the ongoing traffic restrictions at the Panama Canal because of low water conditions.

Sixteen LNG cargoes were transported via the longest route to Asia, the Cape of Good Hope, in December, an all-time high for LNG tankers taking that route. Nine vessels traveled via the Suez Canal, less than half the number in November, and all of those were in the first half of the month.

The last tanker from a U.S. terminal to take the path through the Suez Canal departed on December 18. Nine vessels traveled via the Panama Canal, same as the month prior, which is when the canal restrictions became more severe.

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