LNG grows up
The global gas trade is casting off its past and becoming more like other internationally traded commodities
Not so long ago, the global liquefied natural gas business was made up of relatively few international oil companies, state oil companies or the entities of producer states on one side, and utility businesses in a comparatively small number of consumer states on the other. Producers knew their consumers, and the contractual arrangements between them tended to be relational in nature, with the commercial deals based largely on fidelity and "point-to-point" trading. There were occasional disputes, but these arrangements and this community appeared comfortable, or even cosy. Since the turn of the century, political, regulatory and commercial forces have progressively loosened and then pulled ap
Also in this section
18 February 2026
With Texas LNG approaching financial close, Alaska LNG advancing towards a phased buildout and Magnolia LNG positioned for future optionality, Glenfarne CEO Brendan Duval says the coming year will demonstrate how the company’s more focused, owner-operator approach is reshaping LNG infrastructure development in the North America
18 February 2026
The global gas industry is no longer on the backfoot, hesitantly justifying the value of its product, but has greater confidence in gas remaining a core part of the global energy mix for decades
18 February 2026
With marketable supply unlikely to grow significantly and limited scope for pipeline imports, Brazil is expected to continue relying on LNG to cover supply shortfalls, Ieda Gomes, senior adviser of Brazilian thinktank FGV Energia,
tells Petroleum Economist
17 February 2026
The 25th WPC Energy Congress, taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from 26–30 April 2026, will bring together leaders from the political, industrial, financial and technology sectors under the unifying theme “Pathways to an Energy Future for All”
