Spot LNG prices rise-

SINGAPORE, Dec 29 (Reuters): Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices gained last week, the first rise after three weekly declines, as the imminent expiry of a transit deal for Russian gas through Ukraine to Europe lent support to prices.

The average LNG price for February delivery into north-east Asia was $14.10 per million British thermal units (mmBtu), up 6% from $13.30/mmBtu the previous week, industry sources estimated.

Asian LNG prices have gained 20% this year and averaged $11.97/mmBtu in 2024.

"The biggest thing people are keeping an eye on is TTF's upward movement," said Masanori Odaka, senior analyst at Rystad Energy, referring to the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) hub.

Russian gas supply into Europe could affect prices on the TTF, which also has an impact on Asia LNG prices.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday there was no time left this year to sign a new Ukrainian gas transit deal, and blamed Ukraine for refusing to extend the agreement that also brings gas to Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Austria.