Gazprom in January: output near capacity points to higher export in coming months
In January, Gazprom produced 47.4 bcm of gas, up 1% YoY, according to the company’s statement on Telegram. This means that the average daily gas output was 1,529 mn cu m/d, up 16 mn cu m/d on the same period of last year. We note, however, that the daily average output is down from 1,540 mn cu m/d in mid-January to estimated 1,518 mn cu m/d in the second half of January.
In our estimate the Chayanda field which feeds the Power of Siberia pipeline was the main source of additional output (up 17 mn cu m/d to 48 mn cu m/d). Outside East Siberia the gas production was only marginally lower (down 1.4mn cu m/d to 1,480 mn cu m/d). This might be close to Gazprom production capacity which is around 1,500 mn cu m/d.
Gazprom deliveries to domestic consumers in January were up 3.2% YoY to 35.4 bcm (1,144 mn cu m/d). The pace of growth in domestic demand continues to slow down YoY. We expect Gazprom deliveries to Russian customers to flatten out YoY in the remainder of winter,
In January Gazprom export to Europe, Turkey and China fell 41% YoY to 11.4 bcm (368 mn cu m/d). Gas export was also down 16% MoM (compared to December last year).
There are signs that gas export to Europe might start to recover in the coming months. Gazprom doubled transit via Ukraine on February 1. We also believe that Gazprom would need to restore gas export to Europe to meet export target for this year.
Our modelling of Gazprom gas balance in January indicates that the company reduced withdrawal from Russian and European gas storage by 6.5 bcm (210 mn cu m/d) YoY, to offset for a reduction in export to Europe and Turkey (down 8.4 bcm or 273 mn cu m/d YoY).
This means that Gazprom gas storage was around 52 bcm as of end January, up 14 bcm YoY and 15% above 3-year average. At the end of the heating season in Russia (end March), Gazprom gas storage might be as high as 38 bcm, up 23 bcm YoY. The surplus storage could be used to supply additional volumes to Europe in the coming months, in our view.