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A slogan is displayed on a building, using laser light, as Taiwan shuts down its last Nuclear reactor, in Taipei, Taiwan May 17, 2025. REUTERS/Ann Wang
Taiwan Seeks LNG Cargoes After Shutting Last Nuclear Reactor
May 19, 2025 (Bloomberg) –Taiwan is seeking liquefied natural gas shipments following the shutdown of its last nuclear reactor, a move that will increase the island’s reliance on the seaborne fuel.
CPC Corp. is looking for three cargoes for August and September delivery, according to traders with knowledge of the matter. The tender comes after the island closed its last nuclear reactor on Saturday due to the expiration of its 40-year operating license. The state-owned oil and gas company also purchased at least one LNG shipment for June to July delivery this month, according to traders.
The 30-day moving average for Taiwan’s LNG imports is at a record for this time of the year, when the island typically imports more fuel to meet its energy needs. The closure of Taiwan’s second-to-last nuclear reactor last July increased procurements.
The final nuclear shutdown will further expose the island, which is home to some of the world’s top chipmakers, to LNG price fluctuations, according to Aniket Autade, a senior analyst from Rystad Energy.
“Stable power supply is crucial for industrial hubs and high-end manufacturing facilities, including the semiconductor sector that is strategic to Taiwan’s economic and geopolitical interest,” he said.
European natural gas prices hit a fresh three-year high as traders race to fill fuel storage facilities ahead of winter, while awaiting details of an Iran-Oman deal on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Russia has begun loading crude from its giant Vostok Oil development onto tankers at the newly built Bukhta Sever terminal on the Kara Sea, marking the start of what could become one of the largest new sources of shipping demand on the Northern Sea Route.
Qatar declared force majeure on LNG exports amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, shutting down facilities that supply 20% of global liquefied natural gas. The shutdown will take at least a month to reverse, sending gas prices to multi-year highs.
March 4, 2026
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