Traders play their part in LNG market maturity
Alongside the traditional buyers and sellers, the industry’s middlemen are making a contribution to greater efficiency
The past five years have been a period of significant growth for global LNG markets. The old model of producer-to-supplier trade flow has changed, and several expert trading companies have increased their presence in the sector through enhanced capabilities and a growing network. Physical LNG volumes traded on a short-term basis have roughly doubled to 130-150mn t/yr since 2015, while volumes of JKM swaps derivatives traded have been increasing roughly threefold every year across the same period. The growing participation of expert trading companies in LNG markets should bring significant benefits to the sector. More active participation from majors, such as Shell, Total and BP, NOCs includi
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






