Latin America's LNG slowdown
A few years ago, gas exporters thought the Southern Cone would become a huge new market. Not likely
It wasn't long ago that Brazil and Argentina were about to become an important cornerstone for global liquefied natural gas demand. In Brazil, a buzzing economy was driving power demand higher at the same time a historic drought had severely crimped hydropower output. Petrobras turned to international LNG markets to keep the lights on. Argentina's economy was also growing, while declining domestic gas output left the country increasingly short on supply. From virtually nothing in 2010, combined LNG imports into the countries topped 10m tonnes a year in 2014 and 2015, and exporters were courting the Southern Cone consumers to sign long-term deals. But that growth now looks fleeting. Imports i
Also in this section
23 January 2026
A strategic pivot away from Russian crude in recent weeks tees up the possibility of improved US-India trade relations
23 January 2026
The signing of a deal with a TotalEnergies-led consortium to explore for gas in a block adjoining Israel’s maritime area may breathe new life into the country’s gas ambitions
22 January 2026
As Saudi Arabia pushes mining as a new pillar of its economy, Saudi Aramco is positioning itself at the intersection of hydrocarbons, minerals and industrial policy
22 January 2026
New long-term deal is latest addition to country’s rapidly evolving supply portfolio as it eyes role as regional gas hub
