The LNG demand bottleneck
Panellists at LNG2026 say demand growth will hinge less on the level of global supply and more on the pace of downstream buildout, policy clarity and bankable market frameworks
The looming surge in global LNG supply will not spur a strong demand response without the faster buildout of regasification and supporting infrastructure, clearer policy signals and bankable frameworks that make downstream projects more profitable, panellists at the ‘LNG’s Role in Meeting Growing Energy Demand and Supporting Economic Development’ session at LNG2026 said. Excelerate Energy CEO Steven Kobos, Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher and Sasol CEO Simon Baloyi noted that future LNG demand growth was likely to be concentrated in emerging markets across Asia, Africa and parts of Latin America. With the third major wave of global LNG supply well on its way, liquefaction capacity is no longer the
Also in this section
2 April 2026
Alongside a rapid continued build-out of renewables, China’s latest five-year plan stresses the value of domestic hydrocarbon production for energy security and calls for increased Russian gas imports
2 April 2026
The government is taking important steps to revive domestic production, lift investment and benefit from the geopolitical crisis even if more needs to be done in the longer term
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices






