SINGAPORE, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Asian spot liquefied

natural gas (LNG) gained for the first time since end-August

this week, supported by emerging spot demand across the region.

The average LNG price for December delivery into north-east

Asia rose to $13.50 per million British thermal units

(mmBtu), industry sources estimated, its first weekly gain in

six weeks.

"Active buyers in the current spot buyers are primarily from

South and Southeast Asia... Some Japanese players have also

entered the market for LNG procurement for December deliveries,"

said Siamak Adibi, director for gas and LNG supply analytics at

consultancy FGE.

Despite the spot market activity, overall market sentiment

has not changed dramatically, added Adibi, as European gas

storage levels remain above 95%, reducing competition with Asia

for cargo procurement.

"The prompt market sentiment remains bearish for now."

Recent tenders include one from Thailand's Hin Kong Power,

B.Grimm Power and state-controlled PTT, all for cargoes

delivered in December, said a Rystad Energy report.

"With Thailand's monsoon season typically ending in October,

reduced rainfall may mean less hydropower generation going

forward, resulting in an increased reliance on gas-fired

generation."

The report added that Northeast Asian players are likely to

see a slow start to the heating season as temperatures remain

warmer than normal in the period leading up to the start of

winter, while healthy storage levels could mute spot purchases

from the region.

In Europe, S&P Global Commodity Insights assessed its daily

North West Europe LNG Marker (NWM) price benchmark for cargoes

delivered in December on an ex-ship (DES) basis at $12.539/mmBtu

on Oct. 17, a $0.175/mmBtu discount to the December gas price at

the Dutch TTF hub.

Argus assessed the price for December delivery at

$12.50/mmBtu, while Spark Commodities assessed the price for

November delivery at $12.332/mmBtu.

"High storage and steady output could see prices fall back

significantly over winter in the event of mild weather like that

of the last two years," said Alex Froley, senior LNG analyst at

ICIS, adding that U.S. supply is also improving with Cove Point

returning from planned maintenance and Hurricane Milton not

affecting LNG production.

"However, uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and U.S.

elections and the ongoing weather risk at this early stage of

the season could see people reluctant to move too far yet."

In LNG freight, Atlantic prices dropped to $26,750/day on

Friday, its largest week-on-week drop since January, said Spark

Commodities analyst Qasim Afghan.

Pacific rates also declined, easing for a tenth straight

week, to $42,250/day.