Egypt Shortlists Seven Firms for LNG Supply

Egypt has selected seven companies out of 12 for supply of 55 shipments of LNG, Minister of Petroleum announced Monday.

These shipments will arrive between November 2015 and December 2016. The Ministry did not disclose the names of shortlisted companies however new agency Reuters citing sources said that seven companies awarded supply contracts include Trafigura, Vitol, Noble Group, EDF Trading , Gas Natural, PetroChina and Shell. 

The North African nation has become an importer of gas due to falling domestic gas production amid rising demand. The imported gas is expected to fill the demand gap in the short term while the government works to boost production of local gas.

To facilitate the import of LNG Egypt has taken delivery of two floating LNG terminals. Last month Egyptian Natural Gas Holding Company (EGAS) took delivery of FLNG terminal from BW Group which is expected to start operation later this month. Last year EGAS signed an agreement with Höegh LNG to lease the first terminal, which started operation in May this year.