Imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Latin America fell by 4.2 million tons (Mt), or 32%, during January-September versus the same period in 2019 as the coronavirus ravaged the region’s economies, according to new analysis by data intelligence firm Kpler.

LNG imports to Latin America

Latin America has seen a particularly sharp decline this year compared to other LNG-importing regions in the world, said Kpler’s Homayoun Falakshahi, senior commodity analyst, during a webcast presentation on Thursday.

Europe, for example, saw an 11% year/year increase in LNG imports over the same span, while Asia recorded a 2% increase. In both cases, however, the increases were because of high imports during the first quarter, before the pandemic made its impact felt around the world.

Falakshahi also noted that...