Indian Gas Exchange gets regulator nod to launch long duration contracts

The Indian Gas Exchange (IGX) announced the launch of long duration gas supply contracts of 3-6 months, following approval from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
These contracts would be available for trading from February 3 on IGX platform, the exchange said in a statement.

IGX currently allows gas suppliers to sell the fuel on the exchange for durations ranging from daily to weekly, fortnightly and monthly. It also offers intra-day trading at a fixed price.

The exchange will now offer three months and six months delivery contracts indexed to gas benchmarks such as FIXI and Platts JKM, WIM and Dated Brent.

"This would leverage IGX's Gas Price Index (GIXI) and international benchmarks Platts Japan Korea Marker (JKM), Platts West India Marker (WIM), and Platts Dated Brent," it said.

Platts is part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, the leading global independent provider of information, data, analysis, and benchmark prices for energy and commodities markets.

IGX is India's authorized natural gas trading exchange.

"The long duration contracts are "designed to offer market participants in India enhanced flexibility in securing their natural gas requirements. Buyers on the platform will have the option to select fixed pricing or pricing linked to GIXI and Platts benchmarks," the statement said.

These contracts would enable the marketplace and its participants to effectively manage commodity and price risks through competitive, transparent, and flexible solutions.

Rajesh Mediratta, MD & CEO, Indian Gas Exchange Limited, said, "Exactly a year ago, we embarked on this journey by signing the agreement to develop these contracts, and today, we proudly launch them - demonstrating our commitment to advancing India's gas sector." This data-licensing collaboration with S&P Global Commodity Insights seamlessly combines IGX's expertise to deliver flexibility and robust price hedging options to trading participants, he said.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to PNGRB for their support and approval, which has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition. This represents a pivotal step forward, and we are confident it will pave the way for new opportunities and innovative growth for both organizations," he added.

Renowned for its independence and rigorous price assessment methodologies across energy and commodities markets, S&P Global Commodity Insights brings unmatched credibility to this collaboration. IGX expects incorporation of Platts benchmarks into its offerings to boost market liquidity and foster an environment conducive to the sustained growth of India's natural gas sector.
Adding to this, Matt Eversman, Director of Global Licensing and Exchange Relationships for S&P Global Commodity Insights, said, "We are pleased Platts benchmarks will help to bring transparency and efficiency to India's high-potential gas market, and we look forward to continued collaboration with IGX ahead."