The first batch of the US liquefied natural gas arrived in the port of Klaipeda, Lithuanian energy ministry said in a press release. Thus, Lithuania has become the first EU country to receive the US LNG.
According to the country's energy minister Zygimantas Vaiciunas, US gas will boost the competitiveness of the regional energy market.
He added that the US is becoming a key partner delivering gas for the whole region. This will not only boost energy independence but also the competition among gas suppliers, which will ensure the best gas prices for consumers in Lithuania and the whole region.
The agreement between Lithuania’s Lietuvos duju tiekimas company and Cheniere Marketing International on LNG delivery of 140,000 cubic meters was signed in June.
The LNG will be distributed over gas networks from the port’s terminal and some part will be sent to Inčukalns underground gas storage facility in Latvia.
Lithuania also purchases LNG from Statoil (Norway) and Koch Supply & Trading (US), which supplies gas from Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago.
