LNG

An early cold wave across northern China is lifting LNG and pipeline gas demand, adding upside risk to the JKM-TTF price spread for balance-of-winter 2025/26. Several cities have started district heating early which boosts gas demand and increases the need for LNG imports.

Global LNG markets are poised to turn from a sellers’ to a buyers’ market as a wave of new liquefaction capacity comes online this year and in 2026, the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) executive director Fatih Birol said.

Deal-making in the US shale gas sector has spiraled as Asian buyers seek to secure reliable feedstock for LNG offtake. More than $28 billion worth of gas and LNG assets are currently up for sale.

PT PLN Energi Primer Indonesia, a subsidiary of state-owned Persero, has found a growing need for LNG imports to balance a near-term shortfall in domestic gas production. Together with JERA, PLN EPI aims to develop an adaptable LNG import model, capable to respond to market fluctuations and ensure Indonesia long-term supply reliability.

The European Parliament considers amending climate rules, bowing to pressure Qatar and the US. The world’s two top LNG exporters warn of an “existential threat” to key European industry if compliance costs, liability risks and supply-chain disruptions become excessive.

Tokyo Gas has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to offtake of 1 tonne per annum (mtpa) from the Alaska LNG project, majority owned and developed by Glenfarne. The deal brings the 20 mtpa LNG project in Nikiski, Kenai Peninsula, closer to financial close.

US pipeline gas exports to Mexico have surged, reaching a record 7.5 Bcf/d in May, as emerging LNG feedgas demand tightens cross-border supply. More than 70% of exported US gas to Mexico is used for power generation, but this share will shift once Fast LNG Altamira 2 and Energía Costa Azul begin operations.

Australian energy major Woodside Energy has given New York-listed Williams a 10% stake in the Louisiana LNG holding company along with 80% of the Driftwood pipeline, for $378 million. Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said she seeks to bring more investors into the $17.5 billion Louisiana LNG project.

Japan’s leading LNG importer and power generator JERA has agreed with Williams and GEP Haynesville to acquire 100% of their interest in the South Mansfield gas field in the Haynesville Shale for $1.5 billion. The upstream asset is close to LNG terminal along the US Gulf Coast.

Commissioning delays have pushed back the timeline for Costa Azul LNG’s first 3.25 mtpa train, which is now expected to begin commercial operations in the first quarter of 2026. Train 2 remains in the early stages of development, envisioned to expand total capacity to 12 mtpa.