Sinopec’s Tianjin LNG terminal
Asia increasingly looks to flexible LNG supply
Demand growth and the expiration of existing contracts mean Asian nations will become less reliant on long-term contracted supply
Asia’s reliance on flexible LNG—shipments not bound by destination-specific contracts—is set to increase on the back of higher demand for the fuel. At the same time, contractual term volumes are poised to rise this summer and the coming winter, with China and India set to soak up much of this flexible supply. China will be the main growth driver for demand for flexible cargoes, with imports anticipated to rise over this summer, the upcoming winter and again next summer. Supply of uncommitted, destination-free LNG has seen limited growth this summer but is poised to surge this coming winter and following summer. The jump is dependent on new US projects coming onstream and the planned ramp-up
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
