Asia to import record LPG in 2020 amid uptick demand for protective gear

Strong Asian demand could weigh on supplies in coming months just as Europe is likely to step up purchases of the fuel for heating in winter, an industry source in Singapore said

Asia will likely import record volumes of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in 2020 as firms snap up the fuel to make petrochemicals used in protective gear against the coronavirus, while households under lockdown ramped up purchases for cooking.

The region will buy some 67-69.5 million tonnes of the gas from abroad this year, surpassing last year's record, analysts from consultancy firms IHS Markit, FGE and Wood Mackenzie said. That would represent a 1-3% increase on 2019 import volumes.

Strong Asian demand could weigh on supplies in coming months just as Europe is likely to step up purchases of the fuel