The emerging energy axis takes shape
Liquified natural gas from Australia is central to Japanese plans to reinforce its energy security
AUSTRALIA's upstream gas remains a priority for Japanese investment as the Asian-Pacific nation takes steps to become a major LNG trading hub. This is true despite a drop in demand in Japan, and the supply glut is only making the case stronger. In recent years Japanese utilities have taken stakes in LNG-export facilities in Australia, a move that has given them access to a diverse portfolio of assets and contracts. Together, Japanese companies have contracted to buy over 42m tonnes a year of LNG. Japanese group Inpex has pioneered the largest project-financed LNG export project in history. Ichthys, with France's Total as partner, will become a central supply point for Australian LNG into Jap
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20 February 2026
The country is pushing to increase production and expand key projects despite challenges including OPEC+ discipline and the limitations of its export infrastructure
20 February 2026
Europe has transformed into a global LNG demand powerhouse over the last few years, with the fuel continuing to play a key role in safeguarding the continent’s energy security, Carsten Poppinga, chief commercial officer at Uniper, tells Petroleum Economist
20 February 2026
Sempra Infrastructure’s vice president for marketing and commercial development, Carlos de la Vega, outlines progress across the company’s US Gulf Coast and Mexico Pacific Coast LNG portfolio, including construction at Port Arthur LNG, continued strong performance at Cameron LNG and development of ECA LNG
19 February 2026
US LNG exporter Cheniere Energy has grown its business rapidly since exporting its first cargo a decade ago. But Chief Commercial Officer Anatol Feygin tells Petroleum Economist that, as in the past, the company’s future expansion plans are anchored by high levels of contracted offtake, supporting predictable returns on investment
