Gas buyer Gail (India) has requested that shipowners offering in on its chartering requirement for LNG tonnage to take on hire for up to four years and extend the validity on their bids.

Those working on the business say Gail has asked that offers be pushed out for a further two weeks until 2 June. Owners were originally asked to submit offers by 12 May, with the request that these should be valid until 17 May, allowing just one week for a selection to be made.