LNG to help solve global energy supply crunch

Russia’s isolation following its invasion of Ukraine could lead to LNG trade growing faster than previously expected—but only if new supply and infrastructure can be realised in time to avert demand destruction, says Giignl’s Vincent Demoury

The LNG business has been though a tumultuous couple of years. Firstly, it experienced a period of record low prices, partly because of the Covid pandemic, followed by exceptionally high prices—because of an unexpectedly robust post-pandemic economic recovery and constrained supply—and now, with the war in Ukraine, a major turning point for the global energy balance. In May, the Paris-based International Group of LNG importers (Giignl) published its annual state-of-the-industry report, documenting how the business fared in 2021. Petroleum Economist sat down with the association’s general delegate, Vincent Demoury, for his take on what the future holds and how the industry is responding.