Owners of very large gas carriers (VLGCs) face another month of lower demand out of the US Gulf Coast as oil companies and trading firms decide not to lift cargoes.

With the demand outlook remaining weak for the summer, owners are steeling themselves for a lower-for-longer environment on spot rates.

Brokers and market sources ­estimate nine to 10 cargoes from US Gulf Coast LPG export ­terminals have been cancelled.