LNG Outlook 2023
European countries and the UK imported 121 million tonnes of LNG in 2022, an increase of 60% compared to 2021, which enabled them to withstand a slump in Russian pipeline gas imports.
Read the transcript
Read the transcript
2022 in focus
Europe increases LNG imports by 60% following slump in Russian pipeline imports.
Global LNG trade hits 396 million tonnes, an increase of 16 million tonnes compared to 2021.
Gas and energy prices hit record levels in 2022 as Russian Gas exports dwindle.
Prioritizing energy security
European countries implement widespread policies and regulations to scure energy and shield people from high cost.
Lasting impact on global emissions as high LNG prices spur fuel switching, including coal use in Asia.
Outlook on global LNG market
Global LNG market to remain tight to mid 2020s as Europe and Asia compete for limited new LNG supply
LNG becomes a core energy supply source for Europe causing structural shifts in the global market. More supply needed to meet increasing LNG demand
Download the Shell LNG Outlook 2023
Read previous LNG Outlooks
LNG Outlook for 2022
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2022 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
LNG Outlook for 2021
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2021 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
LNG Outlook for 2020
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2020 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
LNG Outlook for 2019
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2019 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
LNG Outlook for 2018
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2018 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
LNG Outlook for 2017
Exploring key trends in the LNG industry in 2017 and the emerging picture for future global supply and demand.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Shell LNG Outlook?
What is the Shell LNG Outlook?
The Shell LNG Outlook is an annual report produced by Shell which focuses on the key trends in the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market over the previous 12 months and highlights key trends that are shaping the future market. The report is now in its seventh year.
Why is LNG important?
Why is LNG important?
Many people in need of energy are located far from gas fields, making pipelines too impractical or costly to build. To get around this problem, natural gas can be cooled, shrinking its volume for easier, safer storage and shipping overseas. This cooled natural gas is LNG.
How is Shell involved in LNG?
How is Shell involved in LNG?
Shell is one of the leading LNG suppliers globally being involved in every stage of the value chain. We have a major interest in two regasification plants - Hazira in India and Dragon in the UK – and long-term access to capacity in several others in Europe, the Middle East and North America. Our trading operation buys and sells LNG to and from Shell, its partners and third parties.
Shell is also one of the world’s largest LNG shipping operators, managing and operating more than 18 carriers and with 65 on time-charter. Combined, these LNG carriers comprise around 11% of the global LNG shipping fleet.
How much LNG was traded globally in 2022?
How much LNG was traded globally in 2022?
In total, around 397 million tonnes of LNG was traded globally during 2022, an increase of around 16 million tonnes compared to the previous year.
Which countries imported the most LNG in 2022?
Which countries imported the most LNG in 2022?
Japan was the single largest importer of LNG in 2022, receiving over 70 million tonnes. Imports by China fell by 15 million tonnes to around 64 million tonnes due to its strict Covid-19 policies.
Which was the largest export country?
Which was the largest export country?
Australia, Qatar and the USA were the largest exporters, all shipping more than 80 million tonnes in 2022.
Is there sufficient LNG supply to meet the demand?
Is there sufficient LNG supply to meet the demand?
During 2022 the global LNG market tightened due to rapidly increasing demand from Europe to offset a slump in Russian pipeline imports. The Shell LNG Outlook 2023 expects the market to remain tight into the mid 2020s when more supply comes online.
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Cautionary note
Cautionary note
The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this announcement “Shell”, “Shell group” and “Royal Dutch Shell” are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words “we”, “us” and “our” are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ‘‘Subsidiaries’’, “Shell subsidiaries” and “Shell companies” as used in this announcement refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as “joint ventures” and “joint operations”, respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as “associates”. The term “Shell interest” is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest.
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