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.
QatarEnergy moves empty LNG carriers back into the Gulf
Qatar is repositioning LNG carriers back into the Middle East Gulf as loadings resume and is understood to be seeking short-term charter coverage. Offtakers are counting on QatarEnergy’s promise to reinstate at least half of Ras Laffan production capacity within a month of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz being restored.
Ichthys LNG strike extended to July 6; all loadings at risk
Australia's Offshore Alliance is seeking to extend industrial action through July 6, threatening to halt all loadings at the Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG terminal. The strikes were initially expected to end on June 23.
Ichthys LNG strike risk leaves Japan most exposed
Strike threats at Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG terminal from May 27 leave Japan most vulnerable, given its heavy reliance on contracted Australian supply. Around 70% of the LNG from the 9.3 mtpa Ichthys facility in Darwin is sold to Japanese offtakers, notably JERA, Kansai Electric, Kyushu Electric, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas, and Tokyo Gas.
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.
ADNOC signs $3bn term LNG supply deal with India’s HPCL
ADNOC Gas has signed a 10-year LNG sales and purchase agreement with India’s Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd (HPCL) – valued at between $2.5 billion and $3 billion – to export 0.5 mtpa of LNG from ADNOC’s Das Island terminal.
First gas at BW Opal FPSO puts Santos on track with Darwin LNG
First gas received at Santos’ BW Opal floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel puts the Australian major on track with the Darwin LNG project, CEO Kevin Gallagher said. Situated off Darwin, Northern Territories, the FSPO receives gas from the Barossa gas wells.
Calcasieu Pass 2 project launches FID process
Venture Global is headed towards taking a final investment decision (FID) for its Calcasieu Pass 2 project after receving a critical export authorization. The terminal’s initial phase has firm offtake agreements with ExxonMobil, Chevron, New Fortress Energy, JERA, China Gas, Inpex, SEFE and EnBW.
