EU ban on Russian LNG takes effect
The first phase of the EU’s ban on Russian LNG has taken effect this weekend, removing an initial slice of the 20.3 bcm imported in 2025 at a time when European buyers are already competing for replacement cargoes for lost Qatari supply.
First Golden Pass LNG cargo heads to Zeebrugge terminal
The first LNG cargo from Golden Pass, Texas, is on route to Belgium’s Zeebrugge terminal which the carrier Al Qa’aiyyah is signalling as its destination. Loaded by QatarEnergy, as part of its Golden Pass equity quota, the cargo has likely been purchased by Eni.
Argentine cargo to arrive at Escobar FSRU in early May
Energía Argentina has awarded a spot LNG cargo to Spain’s Naturgy at tender, with the shipment due to arrive at the Escobar floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in the second week of May.
US regional gas prices near zero despite Middle East risks
Regional US gas prices in the Southwest and Southern California are trading near zero, even as LNG export demand hits maximum capacity. Domestic gas output exceeds 105 Bcf/d, flooding storage and capping upside, while LNG feedgas demand increased to 20.3 Bcf/d amid soaring US LNG export driven by panic buying.
AG&P to take full control of Vietnam’s Cai Mep LNG terminal
AG&P is raising its stake in Vietnam’s Cai Mep LNG terminal to 100%, taking full control of the 3 mtpa terminal as Hai Linh Company divests its interest.
Pakistan tenders for spot LNG for first time in nearly 3 years
Pakistan LNG (PLL) has issued a spot LNG tender for the first time since late 2023, seeking three cargoes for delivery at Port Qasim. Bids close on April 24, 2026.
Vietnam may scrap 4.8 GW LNG-fuelled power for renewables
Vietnam’s Vingroup has proposed scrapping plans for what would have been the country’s largest LNG-fired power plant and replacing it with a renewable‑plus‑battery scheme, as soaring LNG prices make the 4.8 GW Hai Phong venture financially unviable.
Middle East LNG shock could develop into a food crisis, Vitol warns
Vitol’s head of LNG, Pablo Galante Escobar, has warned the halt in Middle Eastern supply could develop into a food crisis, unless transits through the Strait of Hormuz resume. Longer term, the Gulf market could lose 20 mtpa of LNG supply growth in 2027 and 2028, because of damage to Qatari capacity and delays to new regional projects.
African LNG exports rise on Europe’s search for alternative supply
African LNG exports have increased 27% yoy to 11.32 million tonnes in the first quarter of 2026, as Qatari supply disruptions pushed European buyers to source more cargoes from Nigeria, Algeria and Angola.
Global gas demand slows markedly, amid high spot LNG prices
Weaker industrial activity and high LNG prices have slowed global gas demand markedly in 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) finds. Gas demand in the power sector grow by less than 1%, due to high spot LNG prices, improved nuclear availability in Asia and continued renewables growth.
