Letter from the US: Chesapeake-Southwestern merger is big deal for US LNG
The combination of the two independents will show the benefits of both size and methane reduction efforts
Analysts have lauded the announced combination of US independents Chesapeake and Southwestern Energy for the deal’s benefits to shareholders. Less attention has been given to the potential ramifications for US LNG, which will likely include more mergers of gas producers and—particularly in light of the Biden administration’s pause on new LNG facility approvals—a push towards producing gas with a much lower carbon footprint. The merger comes amid a wave of multibillion dollar oil industry tie-ups, including ExxonMobil buying Texas-headquartered Pioneer Natural Resources and Chevron buying New York-headquartered Hess. These acquisitions bolster the acquirors’ drilling inventories and offer cos
Also in this section
23 May 2025
LNG projects need the certainty of long-term contracts, but Henry-Hub–linked deals put buyers at significant risk
22 May 2025
Industry says compliance is near-impossible and have called for more clarity to prevent cargoes being redirected
22 May 2025
The next energy crisis could come from the severing of the link between oil and gas prices, with potentially severe economic consequences
22 May 2025
With contract awards looming on the Kuwait-Saudi backed Dorra field, the long-stalled gas project appears finally to be gaining traction—despite Iranian objections
