According to informed sources, Russia is attempting to leverage the global natural gas supply crunch to attract energy-starved South Asian nations to purchase its liquefied natural gas (LNG) originating from US-sanctioned facilities. The sources indicated that last week, Russia sold natural gas at a 40% discount to spot prices through little-known intermediary companies. They also stated that sellers claimed to be able to provide documentation making the cargoes appear to originate from non-Russian sources, such as Oman or Nigeria. Whether any transactions have been finalized has not been confirmed. The effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on the world's largest LNG export plant in Qatar have obstructed approximately one-fifth of global gas supply, disrupting the market and driving up prices. Gas shipments from Qatar have stalled, forcing customers in Bangladesh and India to seek more expensive alternative sources. Bangladesh, which sourced 60% of its LNG from Qatar last year, has now turned to the spot market, sometimes paying nearly double the price of its long-term contract with the Middle Eastern nation. Reduced LNG deliveries have also forced Bangladesh and India to cut gas supplies to their fertilizer industries. India typically maintains a conservative stance on importing sanctioned oil and gas, with its government previously stating it would not purchase Russian LNG from blacklisted projects. Last month, following the issuance of a general license by the US Treasury Department exempting related restrictions, India purchased Iranian oil for the first time since 2019. Although Russia has been steadily increasing exports from its US-sanctioned facilities, such as the Arctic LNG 2 and Portovaya projects, most buyers remain cautious about accepting restricted cargoes due to fears of US retaliation. Expanding LNG supply would help Russia diversify its customer base and increase exports from its blacklisted facilities. The Arctic LNG 2 project was originally planned to be Russia's largest LNG plant, beginning exports in 2024, but its full capacity is constrained by a lack of shipping capability and willing buyers.
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