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An LNG tanker initially headed for Europe has reversed course and is now sailing toward Asia as global natural gas prices surge, according to data from analytics firm Kpler.
The vessel, BW Brussels, is the first known example of a tanker diverting from Europe to Asia during the current price spike, the firm said.
Kpler said the move reflects a widening price gap between regions as Asian buyers “compete more aggressively for supply.”
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European natural gas prices have risen 66% this week after Qatar halted liquefied natural gas production following Iranian strikes.
Qatar supplies about 20% of the world’s LNG and is the second-largest exporter after the U.S.
Kpler said the situation could lead to further diversions of uncommitted cargoes.
“With Asian markets highly exposed to Qatari volumes and prices surging in both Asia and Europe, further diversions for uncommitted cargoes are likely,” the firm said.
The development could add upward pressure on Europe’s Title Transfer Facility benchmark if buyers increase bids to retain shipments.
More than half of Europe’s LNG imports come from the U.S., while South Asia relies heavily on shipments from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The only export route for LNG from those two countries is through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Kpler data for 2025, Pakistan sourced 99% of its LNG imports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, while Bangladesh and India each obtained 59% from the two exporters.
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