The LNG wave is on the way
Liquefaction ramp-ups and a slowing rate of Chinese demand growth finally deliver the oft-anticipated supply glut
Europe's LNG terminals are set to be over 60pc busier in January 2019 compared to the same month last year. Australian, Russian and US supply has stepped up, and Asia is working through a backlog of fourth-quarter oversupply after mild weather. But is this just a temporary blip or finally the arrival of the widely predicted but much delayed "wave" that would send the global LNG markets into oversupply? Analysts are in a broad agreement that it is the latter. According to Paris-headquartered Kpler, one of the market-leading LNG cargo analysts, Europe will receive 5.8mn t of LNG in January, based on observed arrivals and anticipated ship movements until the end of the month, up by 2.2mn t from
Also in this section
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally
