LNG: lots today, even more tomorrow
Vast amounts of export capacity are coming on stream, so it's just as well that demand looks set to keep growing
The liquefied natural gas revolution is well and truly upon us. Global export capacity stands at around 290m tonnes a year, with a staggering 60m t/y of that added since early 2016 and a further 80m t/y due over the next couple of years. Australia is set to overtake Qatar as the world's largest LNG exporter next year, when Shell's Prelude floating LNG project and Inpex and Total's Ichthys facility reach full capacity. But now Qatar is back in the race, ending its long-standing moratorium on building new export capacity and fighting for its share of a fast-expanding market. Doha has lined up three new trains, which should take export capacity to 100m t/y from 77m t/y by 2023. Canny timing, it
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






