LNG

Europe’s future US LNG imports are poised to soar on the EU’s promise to import $750 billion in American energy products over the next three years. This promise was made by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to U.S. President Donald Trump in a bid to avert punitive tariffs from August 1.

High spot LNG prices and subdued demand from industry made China’s LNG import plunge by more than 20% in the first quarter of this year. Fast build-out of liquefaction capacity in the US, Canada and Qatar will ease market tightness from 2026, fostering robust demand growth in Asia’s price-sensitive markets, the International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts.

The Japanese government will participate in the Alaska LNG project, President Trump claims, raising pressure on South Korea to follow suit. Fresh investment will allegedly come from the $550 billion fund that Japan disclosed during tariff negotiations with the United States.

Asian countries are looking to buy more US LNG in a quest to alleviate trade tensions with the Trump administration and avert the risk of higher tariffs. The latest SPAs signed show a trend towards long-term Henry Hub-linked deals targeting deliveries from 2028/29.

Philippine power generators are burning less coal in the first time in 20 years as Asian spot LNG prices are down 13% year-to-date on tepid demand which makes natural gas a more competitive fuel. The benchmark Asian spot LNG price for September delivery dropped $2.70 to $12.30 per MMBtu on lacklustre demand and high stockpiles.

Amazon Web Services will help SK Group build Korea’s first AI hyperscale data centre in Ulsan, powered by LNG. All electricity needs of the data center will be met by Ulsan Gas Power Station (1,200 MW), capable to switch to LPG when LNG prices rise.

Heatwaves in the eastern part of the U.S. have sent Henry Hub futures soaring as gas-burn stays high at 49.3 bcf/d through July 25, while financial flow risk is skewed to the upside, Energy Aspects finds.

Another U.S.-sanctioned LNG tanker has docked at the Arctic LNG 2 facility, Reuters reported, referring to Kpler ship-tracking data. Novatek seemingly resumed liquefaction and export from the terminal in the Russian High North.

Kinder Morgan is adding $1.3 billion to its project backlog, with CEO Kim Dang calling 2025 “an incredible year for US LNG growth.” In Q2, the US pipeline operator generated $1.6 billion in cash flow from operations in Q2 based on a business model structured around long-term take-or-pay, fee-based gas delivery contracts.

New Fortress Energy (NFE) is withholding shipments to Puerto Rico over disputed payment terms. The withheld cargoes undermine the island’s ability to meet electricity demand, raising the risk of blackouts during the peak summer season.