LNG market shifts to shorter-term deals
Structure continues to shift as both buyers and sellers embrace shorter and more flexible supply contracts
The length of LNG supply contracts signed in 2020 averaged around 11 years, “a far cry from the 15–25-year contracts which were more common to the industry in its infancy”, says Emma Richards, senior oil and gas analyst at consultancy Fitch Solutions. Rystad Energy vice-president Xi Nan also sees a clear trend for shorter LNG supply contracts, and says that “long term” is now considered to be 5-10 years when previously it would have meant 20 years or more. 11yrs – Average duration of supply contracts signed in 2020 Suppliers formerly pushed for fixed, long-term SPAs because they were essential for securing sufficient project finance for liquefaction developments. However, the environ
Also in this section
28 January 2026
The alliance looks to bolster market management credibility by bringing greater clarity and unity to output cuts and producer capacity later in 2026
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






