Shell sees potential LNG supply shortage as global demand surges

In 2017 Japan remained the world's largest LNG importer, while China moved into second place as Chinese imports surged past South Korea's. Total demand for LNG in China reached 38 million t, a result of continued economic growth and policies to reduce local air pollution through coal-to-gas switching.

"We are still seeing significant demand from traditional importers in Asia and Europe, but we are also seeing LNG provide flexible, reliable and cleaner energy supply for other countries around the world," said Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas and New Energies Director at Shell. "In Asia alone, demand rose by 17 million t. That's nearly as much as Indonesia, the world's fifth largest LNG exporter, produced in 2017."

LNG has played an increasing role in the global energy system over the last few decades. Since 2000, the number of countries importing LNG has quadrupled and the number of countries supplying it has almost doubled. LNG trade increased from 100 million t in 2000 to nearly 300 million t in 2017 - enough to generate power for around 575 million homes.

LNG buyers continued to sign shorter and smaller contracts. In 2017, the number of LNG spot cargoes sold reached 1100 for the first time, equivalent to three cargoes delivered every day. This growth mostly came from new supply from Australia and the USA.

The mismatch in requirements between buyers and suppliers is growing. Most suppliers still seek long-term LNG sales to secure financing. But LNG buyers increasingly want shorter, smaller, and more flexible contracts so they can better compete in their own downstream power and gas markets.

This mismatch needs to be resolved to enable LNG project developers to make final investment decisions that are needed to ensure there is enough future supply to meet global demand.

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/liquid-natural-gas/26022018/shell-sees-potential-lng-supply-shortage-as-global-demand-surges/