US industry calls for immediate LNG export limits

Dissenting voices demand gas supplies stay in-country amid falling stocks and energy security concerns

US manufacturing is starting to get twitchy about domestic gas supplies. In late September, trade body the Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA) issued a plea to the secretary of energy, Jennifer Granholm, to cap LNG exports amid fears of a supply shortage and further price volatility heading into winter.    The Washington-based group argues national energy security should be prioritised over LNG export profits. Lower 48 gas inventories have fallen by almost 17pc since last September, and volumes currently sit roughly 7pc below the five-year average. Hurricane season in the Gulf of Mexico has worsened the supply situation. An estimated 34.4pc of offshore gas production is still offli