The U.S. held its ranking as the world’s top exporter of liquefied natural gas for a second month in a row, as Europe’s winter energy crisis draws more cargoes to the continent.
U.S. LNG exports hit a record 7.3 million tons in January, taking the No. 1 spot away from Middle Eastern powerhouse Qatar for a second time since December. Europe, which is facing low winter inventories and high natural gas prices due to tensions between Russia and Ukraine, was a top destination for U.S. cargoes last month.
The growth in U.S. output is attributed to the start up of a new production unit at Cheniere Energy Inc.’s Sabine Pass LNG export terminal in Louisiana.