Europe Sees Surge in LNG Imports as Hormuz Crisis Tightens Fuel Markets

European imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are rising ahead of the Northern Hemisphere winter, as disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz threaten global competition for the fuel.

According to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, deliveries to the European Union and UK have increased since early August, when imports were 30% below last year's levels. On a 30-day moving average, they are now about 4% lower than a year ago.

LNG flows to Northeast Asia have fallen over the same period, highlighting the intensifying competition for the fuel. The disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz are causing concern among energy markets as winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere.