Petronet receives 1,000th cargo from RasGas

Petronet LNG Ltd, India's biggest importer of liquefied natural gas, has received its 1000th cargo under its long-term import contract with RasGas of Qatar.
Petronet buys 7.5 million tons a year of LNG from RasGas on a 25-year contract. Supplies began in 2004 and the company last week received 1000th cargo, Petronet said in a statement.
Its LNG carrier 'Disha' brought the 1000th cargo at the Dahej import terminal in Gujarat on December 26.
"RasGas and Petronet had signed the first sales and purchase agreement (SPA)in 1999 for 7.5 million tonnes per annum," the statement said. Supplies began in April 2004.

Petronet ships the LNG in its three vessels -- Disha, Raahi and Aseem.
The company said it has expanded the Dahej terminal by including a second LNG jetty that can accommodate larger vessels of up to Q-Max size.

"We are glad to receive 1000th long term vessel at Dahej terminal and we value their relationship between RasGas and Petronet. The LNG SPA between Petronet and RasGas has been instrumental in development of LNG markets in India," said A K Balyan, Managing Director & CEO, Petronet LNG Ltd.
Besides the 10 million tons a year Dahej terminal, Petronet also has a 5 million tons import facility at Kochi in Kerala. The firm meets about 30 per cent of the country gas demand.

"Petronet being the pioneer and leading LNG player in India has so far sourced 1250-plus cargoes," the statement said adding the Dahej terminal is further being expanded to 15 million tons.