LNG spot trading on a roll
Growth in “true” LNG spot trading is set to continue, with an emergent role for portfolio players and traders
Spot and short-term LNG recorded an impressive increase in occurred in 2018—rising from 27pc of global physical trade the previous year to 32pc. But that headline figure masks a trend of arguably much greater significance. The latest annual report from LNG importers' group GIIGNL shows that 'true' spot trading has been rising rapidly since 2016. And the signs are that this surge is set to continue for at least another couple of years as additional more flexible production capacity comes on stream, especially in the United States, and as long-term contracts expire. Not only is this rise a sign of growing liquidity in physical LNG trading—as the industry moves ever closer towards commoditisati
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
