LNG

Italian contractor Saipem has revised down its 2026 earnings guidance to factor in extra costs related to the conflict in the Middle East. EBITDA is now forecast at €1.75 billion, down from previously expected €1.9 billion, as the Milan-based group had to spend around €70 million in the first half to improve security for its staff ​in the Persian Gulf region and to overcome ​logistical challenges related to the Strait of Hormuz blockade.

Shell has raised its second-quarter guidance for integrated gas production and LNG liquefaction volumes, while flagging stronger trading performance, as heightened market volatility linked to Middle East tensions supports earnings.

Numerous Japanese utilities have withheld full-year earnings guidance as the Middle East conflict drives up LNG costs and clouds fuel supply. Bloomberg reported that Asian LNG prices have surged 70%, exemplifying how exposed Japan’s power sector remains to the global gas market.