GAIL's LNG Supply Ceases After Petronet LNG's Force Majeure Declaration
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
New Delhi, March 5 (NationPress) — GAIL (India) Limited announced on Thursday that its allocation of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Petronet LNG Limited has been completely halted following a force majeure notice issued by the supplier. This notice was prompted by disruptions related to maritime navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz and potential shutdowns at facilities in Ras Laffan.
In its regulatory filing, GAIL stated that Petronet LNG issued the notice on March 3 under the Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement, highlighting issues faced by specific LNG vessels during their journey between India and Qatar.
This incident emerges amid ongoing maritime navigation limitations in the Strait of Hormuz and reports concerning a possible shutdown at the liquefaction facility located in Ras Laffan.
GAIL's announcement noted, "We wish to inform that one of our long-term suppliers, Petronet LNG Limited (PLL), has officially issued a Force Majeure (FM) notice on March 3 under its Gas Sale and Purchase Agreement."
Further details indicated that this notice was served due to obstacles encountered by certain LNG vessels resulting from maritime restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz during their transit between India and Qatar, alongside potential shutdowns at the Ras Laffan liquefaction facility.
This development follows communication from QatarEnergy, the upstream LNG supplier to Petronet LNG, regarding a potential force majeure event due to recent regional hostilities.
As a consequence of the notice, GAIL's LNG allocation has been reduced to zero starting March 4. The company is currently evaluating the situation to determine if any supply adjustments might be necessary for its downstream customers.
However, GAIL clarified that LNG supplies from other sources remain unaffected at this time.
Furthermore, GAIL stated that the potential ramifications of the ongoing force majeure situation cannot yet be quantified.
"The company is vigilantly monitoring developments and will inform stock exchanges of any significant updates regarding the situation," GAIL concluded.