Demand for winter restocking among northeast Asian buyers this year has been much weaker than last winter, in the face of higher inventories stocked up in advance and forecasts of a milder-than-expected winter. Most northeast Asian buyers have so far remained on the market sidelines for winter restocking, which typically takes place around September-October. The majority of buyers are also more prepared for winter, as they had already secured winter cargoes through bilateral agreements earlier in the year, when spot prices were relatively stable around $10/mn Btu and lower. Additionally, their buying behaviour has ... (full story)