Platts launches sixth half-month forward European LNG assessments

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, has launched sixth-half month forward cycle assessments, H+6, for Platts DES Northwest Europe (NWE), DES Mediterranean (MED) and DES East Mediterranean (EMM) LNG, time stamped to 4:30 pm London time, effective April 1.

Platts has observed reported market activity that indicates that bid, offer and trade activity is increasing for deliveries occurring further forward. The launch was proposed on Feb 11 here, and the decision was announced Feb 25 here.

The assessments reflect cargoes for delivery in the sixth half-month forward cycle from the date of publication. They roll on the 16th of each calendar month, or the first business day after the 16th if it is a non-working day. For example, on April 16, the H+6 assessments reflect July 1-15 pricing and on May 1, the H+6 assessments reflect July 16-31 pricing.

This does not impact the underlying methodology for the DES NWE, DES MED and DES EMM pricing month assessments, and the calculation of these assessments remains unchanged.

The DES NWE, DES MED and DES EMM pricing month assessments represent the average of the two half-month cycles from the third half-month cycle onwards, which comprise the first full month of delivery. There is no impact to the calculation of the cumulative monthly averages.

For example, on April 1, the DES NWE, DES MED and DES EMM continue to represent the average of price assessments for cargoes for delivery in H1 May and H2 May.

Platts has also launched new assessments for the spread between LNG and European pipeline gas prices, involving the new physical half-monthly NWE assessments.

The new assessments include the price difference between the relevant-month Dutch TTF contract and the Platts DES NWE 6 Half-Month.

The new assessments are as follows:

The new H+6 assessments will be available on the alert service pages LNG1820, LNG1821, and PGN1047 from April, but will only be published in Platts LNG Daily from May 18, 2026.

Full details of the existing Platts DES NWE LNG assessments can be found in the Global LNG Specifications Guide.

Please send all feedback, comments and questions to lngeditorialteam@spglobal.com and pricegroup@spglobal.com.

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