Brazil's Alunorte Buys Direct LNG Cargo Amid Gas Supply Disruptions

Alunorte, an alumina refinery in Barcarena, Brazil, has taken drastic measures to ensure operations remain steady due to natural gas supply shortages. According to market participants, the company bought a spot LNG cargo directly from a European energy firm on August 13.

The shipment is arriving via the Maran Gas Vergina, and Alunorte secured it through third-party terminal access. This move comes after Hydro, Alunorte's parent, halved alumina output at the facility due to gas availability interruptions.

Alunorte launched international arbitration against New Fortress in 2025 for alleged gas delivery delays, with New Fortress dismissing the claims as baseless.

The refinery is the sole client of the Barcarena LNG terminal, also known as CELBA, run by New Fortress Energy. The company has sourced cargoes brought into the facility under a 15-year agreement that started in March 2024.