Argentina’s state energy company Enarsa has canceled another shipment of liquefied natural gas, according to a person familiar with the matter.
That cancellation is due to low demand stemming from warmer-than-usual winter temperatures in the South American country, said the person, who asked not to be named because the information is private. TotalEnergies SE was the seller of the cargo, the person said.
Enarsa did not immediately respond to requests for comment. TotalEnergies could not be reached for comment outside Paris business hours.
Last month, Argentina rejected a cargo that was scheduled to be delivered by Swiss trading house Gunvor, with Argentine officials citing concerns about sanctions because the LNG originated in Russia. Gunvor maintained that the transaction was legal and compliant.
The most recent cargo was due to arrive on the LNG Endurance at its Bahia Blanca terminal, but changed course in the Atlantic and is now headed to the French terminal of Montoir, shipping data show. The French-flagged vessel loaded at Cameron LNG, where France-based TotalEnergies has taken over.
This winter’s mild weather in the southern hemisphere country has reduced demand for heating fuel. On Friday, the temperature in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, was 59 F (15 C), according to the country’s weather agency Servicio Meteorologico Nacional.
In a call with analysts on Thursday, major natural gas producer Pampa Energia SA reported that the mild winter has softened domestic demand, reducing its output and second-quarter earnings. The company also said the full commissioning of the new Nestor Kirchner pipeline was delayed as an LNG cargo on the Seapeak Magellan discharged in Bahia Blanca this week. The line only started operating at its current total daily capacity of 11 million cubic meters this week.
Meanwhile, energy distributor Edenor SA has said it has more customers but is selling less. In the second quarter, its energy sales trajectory fell 3.9% compared to a year earlier.
