JKM price for September delivery could top $22/MMBtu
The Japan Korea Marker (JKM) for LNG delivery into northeast Asia for September could exceed $22/MMBtu at the start of this week as shipping disruptions widens and competition for Atlantic Basin cargoes intensifies between Europe and Asia.
Asian LNG demand falls for second year as Qatar disruption bites
Asian LNG demand set to fall for a second consecutive year as Qatari supply disruption pushes spot prices to levels that force buyers to cut volumes and switch fuels. Wood Mackenzie forecasts Asia Pacific demand at 257 million tons (Mt) in 2026, down from 268 Mt in the previous year and a peak of 278 Mt in 2024.
Term charters back in favour as shield against price spikes
Long-term LNG charters – not spot cargoes – are buyers’ favourite, once again, as they provide greater protection against freight rate spikes and shipping disruptions. This trend could tighten global LNG carrier availability for years to come.
South Asia pivots to nuclear amid LNG supply crunch
Bangladesh and Pakistan are fast-tracking plans to expand nuclear power capacity as disruptions to contracted Qatari LNG deliveries and price spikes expose the risk of heavy reliance on imported gas.
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.
Santos singles out Australia’s LNG edge as Hormuz woes persist
Australia’s second-largest oil and gas producer, Santos, has underscored the “strategic advantage” of LNG from Down Under as the fallout from Hormuz shipping disruptions could last for years. Santos – and its rival Woodside – are both stepping up “safe” LNG supplies to Asian offtakers.
LNG vital for UK gas security as NESO warns of emerging supply risk
LNG remains central to Britain’s energy security though the nation’s gas system faces an “emerging risk” to supply, the National Energy System Operator (NESO) warns. Imported LNG helps cushion the network during winter peaks, but NESO’s latest Gas Security of Supply Assessment urges the government to prepare for potential disruptions.
Fragility of Japan’s LNG imports put Tokyo Bay supply at risk
JERA global chair & CEO Yukio Kani has pointed out the fragility of Japan’s LNG import system at an industry event in Tokyo Bay, where inventory covers just 10 days. “Any disruption could be critical, diversification is not optional,” he said, adding JERA secured 5.5 million tons of US LNG to meet post-2030 demand.
