LNG

Feb 13 (LNGJ) - Forecasts for oil-indexed LNG contracts under the Japanese Crude Cocktail formula see prices easing in 2013. The US Energy Information Administration forecasts a Brent crude oil spot price, which averaged $112 per barrel in 2012 and rose to $119 per barrel in early February 2013, will average $109 per barrel this year and $101 per barrel in 2014. The projected discount of West Texas Intermediate crude oil to Brent, which averaged $18 per barrel in 2012, will average $9 per barrel in 2014 as planned new pipeline capacity lowers the cost of moving midcontinent crude oil to the Gulf Coast refiners.