A prolific surge in Covid-19 cases in India is cutting into spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) demand as some vessels have avoided the country since last month. 

LNG exports to India

Seven LNG tankers that were headed to India have been diverted to other destinations since mid-April, said Kpler analyst Charles Costerousse, who added that the market research firm is monitoring for additional diversions. Three vessels destined for India also appeared to slow down on Thursday. 

India has reported more than 300,000 new cases daily for more than two consecutive weeks. The country broke a global record on Friday, reporting 414,188 new cases of Covid-19. While energy demand has remained resilient, primarily due to the government’s resistance to another national lockdown, the crisis and rising commodity...