Fear of China to keep Myanmar’s LNG projects alive
Investors pulling out would create a space for Beijing to fill
The potential for China to extend its influence in Southeast Asia means Myanmar’s planned LNG projects are unlikely to become casualties of the country’s military coup. Myanmar's apparent transition to partial democracy under Aung San Suu Kyi opened the door to international investment as sanctions were lifted. However, the Ahlone and Thilawa LNG-to-power projects—in which Japanese companies have invested—could face delays as a result of reversion to military rule, consultancy Wood Mackenzie argues. Ahlone is a 388MW joint venture between Italian-Thai Development (51pc) and Japan’s Toyo Engineering (49pc), while the Thilawa project includes a 1,250MW LNG-supplied power plant and is being dev
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
