LNG faces promises and perils ahead
LNG has opportunities to expand in established markets and access new ones, but the sector’s outlook is also fraught with uncertainties, from political and regulatory difficulties to chokepoints, project delays and cost overruns, says the IGU
The global LNG sector is undergoing rapid evolution, presenting new opportunities to expand supply and reach an increasing number of countries, but it also faces an array of uncertainties, the International Gas Union (IGU) said in its 2025 World LNG Outlook, published on 22 May. The world is on the brink of its next major wave of LNG supply growth in 2026, following seven years of only single-digit annual volume increases. Next year, 53.7mt of new capacity is expected to come online, including 31.1mt in North America and 15.6mt in the Middle East, according to the IGU. This contrasts with just 6.5mt of fresh capacity entering the market in 2024. Global capacity is set to grow by about 170
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






