European energy markets braced for a winter LNG scramble that could force Brussels to suspend methane emissions regulations, while Indian state refiners boosted US liquefied petroleum gas imports by over 25%. Concurrently, Russian analysts projected double-digit dividend yields for domestic oil majors as Sunday trading on the Moscow Exchange posted modest gains.
Global market
The European Union may roll back methane emissions regulations ahead of winter due to an escalating energy crisis, according to Greek government officials cited by the Financial Times, as European buyers enter a fierce bidding war for spot LNG cargoes. Meanwhile, India’s three largest state-owned refiners increased US liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) purchases by more than 25%. Under new monthly contracts for five 46,000-tonne cargoes, annual US LPG deliveries to India will rise from 2.2 million to 2.76 million tonnes, increasing the US share of Indian LPG imports to 15%.
Russia & CIS
Russian armed forces conducted precision strikes against fuel and transport infrastructure used by Ukrainian forces, alongside drone production workshops. In the financial sector, Sovcombank analysts revised dividend forecasts for Russian oil companies, projecting double-digit dividend yields for investors. On Sunday trading at the Moscow Exchange, shares of Gazprom Neft, FESCO, and Magnit recorded moderate gains, while perpetual futures on Gazprom and Sberbank maintained yields around 14–15% annually.
Armenia
Indian LPG import deals and European debates over relaxing methane rules amid LNG shortages dominated regional analysis, news.am reported. The surge in Asian and European demand for liquefied gas underscores the importance of stable regional supply channels. Nevertheless, retail prices for petrol, diesel, and compressed natural gas in Armenia remain stable. Natural gas supplies and operations at the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant proceed without disruption under long-term EAEU trade agreements shielding domestic consumers from price volatility recorded by international market price assessments.