MADRID, 12 Dic. (EUROPA PRESS) -

Net imports of natural gas by Spain fell 22% in October compared to the same month last year, standing at 29,831 gigawatt hours (GWh), according to data from the Corporation for Strategic Reserves of Petroleum Products (Cores).

Specifically, imports of both liquefied natural gas (LNG) decreased in the month, with a decrease of 23.3%, and those made through the gas pipeline (-19.3%).

In the accumulated year, net imports of natural gas from Spain stood at 321,933 GWh, with an increase of 4.3% year-on-year.

Regarding natural gas imports, they decreased by 8.9% compared to October 2021 and stood at 36,835 GWh. 64.3% was imported as LNG and the remaining 35.7% through gas pipelines.

By geographical area, year-on-year supplies from Europe and Eurasia (87.4%) and Central and South America (12.4%) increased, while those from North America (-37.7%) and Africa (- 22.1%), those of the Middle East remaining practically stable (0.3%).

Algeria was the main supplier of natural gas to Spain, with 7,806 GWh -21.2% of the total-, followed by the United States -with 6,333 GWh and 17.2%- and Nigeria -with 5,684 GWh and 15, 4% of the total-. So far this year, imports of natural gas have increased by 9.8% year-on-year, reaching 373,362 GWh.

Regarding natural gas exports, in October they stood at 7,003 GWh, increasing by 218.6% compared to October 2021. 59.8% was exported as LNG and the remaining 40.2% through pipeline.

Italy was the main destination for exports, with 2,809 GWh and 40.1% of the total, being the highest figure since data became available (January 2010), followed by Portugal (1,841 GWh; 26.3%) and Puerto Rico (973 GWh; 13.9%).

In the accumulated annual exports of natural gas from Spain reached 51,429 GWh, which represents an increase of 62.8% year-on-year.