For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
Hydrogen prices in the American market rose consistently throughout the second quarter of 2022. In the US, Hydrogen is produced by refining steam methane; the primary source of methane is Natural gas. The feedstock natural gas price in the US rose during Q2 2022 because of increased European export amounts. Several European countries sanctioned a ban against Russian oil and Gas imports. The US stepped in to meet Europe’s requirements, raising natural gas prices in the US domestic market, ultimately driving up hydrogen prices in the American market during Q2 2022. The rise in demand for fertilizers during Q2 increased hydrogen price in the second quarter of 2022 as it is used in fertilizer manufacturing.
APAC
In the Indian market, Hydrogen is widely used to manufacture of Ammonia. The demand for Ammonia was rising throughout the second quarter of 2022, driving up the prices of Hydrogen. The upstream Natural Gas price was on an upward trend during Q2 2022 due to tight supply from Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Despite the ease of Natural gas prices during the end of Q2, the cost of Hydrogen remained high due to solid demand from the downstream ammonia manufacturers. The Chinese market also witnessed a hike in Hydrogen prices on account of rising upstream natural gas prices which was caused by the disrupted supply caused by covid-19 related lockdowns and Shipping congestion during Q2 2022.
Europe
Hydrogen prices increased in Europe throughout the second quarter of 2022 due to high energy prices. Europe has less than 2% dependency on Hydrogen for energy prices. However, when the cost of Natural gas, the primary energy source in the continent, spiked during Q2 2022, the demand for Hydrogen increased for energy purposes. The ban on Russian imports also increased hydrogen demand since Ammonia production increased on the continent. Europe’s sanctions against importing Russian oil and gas raised the price of upstream Natural Gas, ultimately increasing the cost of Hydrogen in the European market during the second quarter of 2022.
For the Quarter Ending December 2021
North America
In North America, the prices of Hydrogen were surging during the fourth quarter of 2021, backed by high upstream cost. Hydrogen is mainly produced through steam methane refining process in the US, and the prime source of methane there is natural gas. Since the prices of natural gas was inclining, the price value of methane soared, eventually contributing towards price hike of Hydrogen. Furthermore, the strong demand from the market also supported the upward trajectory of Hydrogen prices. Furthermore, demand fundamentals for the product remained overall stable throughout the quarter, while inflationary pressure kept on concerning the manufacturers.
APAC
The prices of hydrogen were accelerating in the Asian market during Q4 FY21, owing to intensified natural gas prices. Natural gas price hike eventually leads to the higher upstream cost to produce hydrogen, and hence augmenting the price value of hydrogen. Furthermore, newly introduced trade restrictions and higher freight charges also supported the surge in the prices of Hydrogen. In addition, strong demand was another important factor contributing towards the rising price value of hydrogen. The prices of hydrogen in Indian market were assessed to be at USD 472/MT Ex-Mumbai in the concluding month of the year.
Europe
European market witnessed an upsurge in the prices of hydrogen during the last quarter of fiscal year 2021, backed by rising gas prices and weak supply. The prices of hydrogen soared in Europe, owing to higher upstream costs caused by amplifying prices of gas and power. Furthermore, supply was not corresponding with the demand of hydrogen, and hence giving rise to its price value. In addition, sudden economic recovery amid delayed imports from Russia remained a prime factor behind steep price escalation of several commodities including Hydrogen across European market.
For the Quarter Ending September 2021
North America
The North American Hydrogen market showcased mixed sentiments in during Q3 2021. Uncertainty in the domestic market continued to weigh over the demand fundamentals, causing severe price fluctuations across the US region. As natural gas futures continued to stay bullish, producers seemed compelled to plan out operational cuts. Green hydrogen prices remained firm in the third quarter mirroring the previous quarter. The prices of grey and brown hydrogen also witnessed a spike on the back of volatility in the natural gas as well as tightness in the coal market in Q3 2021.
Asia
The Asian Hydrogen demand was high in the third quarter of 2021. Increasing demand for natural gas from the domestic as well as international markets amidst trade disruptions, led to a steep rise in the prices of Hydrogen in the global market especially in Europe during Q3. In India, demand fundamentals for upstream natural gas remained strong from the downstream agrochemicals segment due to scarcity and upcoming seasonal demand in the country. Hydrogen gas price escalated from USD 378/MT to USD 406/MT in Q3 2021. Due to a significant rise in upstream cost, traders were compelled to revise their offers positively in the third quarter.
Europe
During the third quarter of 2021, a major hike was observed in the prices of Hydrogen across the European region. Gas prices were consistently rising in Europe, even before winter demand begins. Skyrocketing Electricity and gas prices around the globe put the entire economy under strong pressure and caused financial trouble for many energy-intensive companies over the short term. Surged demand for green hydrogen from the electricity market led to an increment in Hydrogen prices.
For the Quarter Ending June 2021
North America
Despite of rising feedstock LNG prices in the USA, prices of Hydrogen traced a downward trajectory during Q2 2021. The demand for Hydrogen has been consistently increasing in the global market due to its low carbon footprints. During this quarter, prices of Hydrogen declined due to abundant stock availability and market competitiveness with Saudi Arabia, who were exporting feedstock Hydrogen on a much cheaper rates than USA. Therefore, manufacturers were compelled to reduce the prices to maintain price parity. Therefore, a significant decline in prices was observed during this quarter in USA, which eventually settled at USD 1350/MT during end of June.
Asia
Asian market experienced firm sentiments for Hydrogen during this quarter, as like other countries Asia also has started regarding Hydrogen as clean fuel alternative. In India, prices of Hydrogen kept on rising till the end of April, but later declined in May. Subdued demand from industries under pandemic mayhem in India reduced the prices of Hydrogen effectively, which later rebounded in the month of April. Thus, prices eventually settled at USD 369.2/MT in India during end of June. Besides, China invested a huge amount on Hydrogen, while procuring significant number of cargoes from Saudi Arabia in the meantime.
Europe
This quarter, overall price of Hydrogen remained stable in Europe, backed by firm demand from downstream sectors. Meanwhile, Germany was heard inventing huge amount of money on more than 60 new Hydrogen projects alone, while procuring significant cargoes of feedstock LNG from regional and international market. In addition, regional car manufacturers began researching on Hydrogen fuel cell to keep themselves ahead with the trend.
For the Quarter Ending March 2021
North America
The US freezing storm disrupted industrial activities of the US Texas region for almost two months. Most of the plants were down amidst this winter freeze, it is estimated that, more than 7.37% of LNG output was totally halted due this extreme cold. Hence the production of Hydrogen was also reduced with shortage of feedstock Methane, across the region. Although the domestic demand for Hydrogen remained high, tight supply further supported the prices of LNG.
Asia
The Asian market witnessed a continuous boom in the Hydrogen demand as a fuel, especially in China. China invested a lot in Hydrogen fuel in past couple of years to reduce CO2 emission of the country, and they continued this trend in last quarter as well. Meanwhile, surge in COVID 19 cases in China forced the government to implement partial lockdown across some region, which affected the transportation of Hydrogen and ultimately reduced the availability of Hydrogen in the country. On the other hand, Indian government also announced a big budget of green Hydrogen that enhanced the market sentiments across the country. Although, Panama Canal congestion and surge in import prices halted the availability of Hydrogen in the country which supported the prices. Prices of Hydrogen in Indian market rose from USD 258.83 to USD 310.02 per MT from early January to March ending.
Europe
The European LNG demand remained high amidst winter in addition supply tightness supported the prices cross the region, which directly impacted the prices of alternative Hydrogen in the market. Germany is just behind China in the race of Hydrogen as a fuel for transportation thus its demand in the European region is expected to remain high in forthcoming quarters also. In addition, the prices of feedstock Methane also witnessed prominent ruse due to higher LNG exports to Asia and lower supply from the US Gulf under extreme cold conditions.
For the Quarter Ending December 2020
Asia
Demand for hydrogen gas in the Asian market remained firm as various countries like China and India were heard shifting gears to establish a greener economy in which clean fuel can be used like Hydrogen. Stable price of natural gas accounted for stability in the price of hydrogen gas. The rise in prices of natural gas in Q4 of 2020 due to winter chills in some producing belts, accounted for the rise in price of Hydrogen gas in Q1 of 2021. Towards the end of the year, major economies in Asia were heard shifting towards electrification of vehicles in response to climatic shift. Sentiments were uplifted after in Nov. 2020, the Japanese government launched a 15-year plan to develop its fuel-cell supply chain and hydrogen-powered trucks and buses with the aim of rolling out at least 1 million Hydrogen-Fuelled vehicles by 2030.
Europe
Firm demand for Hydrogen gas from the transportation and refining industry has sustained its rich market sentiments in Europe. As European Union is eyeing for the green economy which accounts for the demand of hydrogen gas, it can be used as a clean fuel in the transportation sector. In early October, market fundamentals of hydrogen gas remained in a narrow range due to economic slowdown and lesser consumption by the end-use sectors. However, the rapid pace towards vehicle electrification in Europe and massive investments in the sector for prospered demand of the Hydrogen Gas.
North America
With the consistent increment in prices of the natural gas, Hydrogen gas prices in the US took an uptrend later in the quarter. The supply of natural gas tightened towards the end of the quarter due to less demand and production cuts due to lower demand. The natural gas prices rose in the fourth quarter due to winter storms and shutting of several refineries which contributed to an overall increase in the price of Hydrogen Gas. Offtakes were less as demand remained affected which went against traditional expectations for the year end.
