US LNG exports rise in August as Europe snaps up cargoes ahead of winter

HOUSTON, Sept. 1 (Reuters) - U.S. liquefied natural gas exports rose slightly in August as major export plants in Texas finished maintenance and European buyers increased purchases to replenish gas inventories ahead of winter, according to preliminary data from financial firm LSEG.

The United States exported 10.7 million metric tons of LNG in August, up from 10.48 MT in July, LSEG ship-tracking data showed.

The increase came as Freeport LNG, the country's fourth-largest LNG export plant, exited maintenance at its Texas facility and Cheniere Energy LNG.N completed planned work at its Corpus Christi facility, which is the third largest in the United States.

Europe remained the top destination for U.S. cargoes, importing 5.84 MT, or 55% of total exports in August. That was more than 1 metric ton higher than in July, as buyers sought supplies to refill storage before the winter heating season.