Putin said Ukraine was overpaying for gas which it could get much cheaper if it signed a transit deal with Russia.

BHGE - U.S. Rig Count is down 21 rigs from last week to 991, with oil rigs down 20 to 805, gas rigs down 1 to 186, and miscellaneous rigs unchanged at 0. Canada Rig Count is down 3 rigs from last week to 63, with oil rigs unchanged at 19 and gas rigs down 3 to 44.

In 2018, global trade in liquefied natural gas (LNG) increased by 3.2 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to 41.3 Bcf/d, an 8% increase from 2017

Global oversupply that has pulled spot LNG prices down by more than 50 percent over the past half-year has producers succumbing to consumer demands for fuel on shorter notice and without sourcing or destination restrictions.

World capital expenditure for both LNG plant and upstream infrastructure will total more than $200bn between 2019 and 2025.

The meeting participants stressed the success of the operating Nord Stream gas pipeline and the great importance of the under-construction Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline for the energy security of Europe and Germany in particular.

The meeting participants reviewed the development prospects of the Chinese gas market and the strategic aspects of cooperation between Gazprom and CNPC, paying particular attention to gas supplies. It was noted that the preparation of facilities for Russian gas exports to China via the Power of Siberia gas pipeline from December 1, 2019, is going according to schedule.

Gazprom is looking to bypass Ukraine completely with the construction of the 55 Bcm/year Nord Stream 2 pipeline and the 31.5 Bcm/year TurkStream link, though some delays mean some kind of deal with Kiev will be necessary.

The meeting participants praised the project operator, Sakhalin Energy, for its work.

ConocoPhillips's gas-focused North Sea assets pumped 72,000 b/d of oil equivalent last year, and the acquisition will help boost Chrysaor's total production this year to over 185,000 boe/d, Chrysaor said in a statement.