LNG Outlook 2019
Strong demand for cleaner-burning fuel in Asia continued to drive rapid growth in liquefied natural gas (LNG) use in 2018, with global demand rising by 27 million tonnes to 319 million tonnes, according to Shell's latest LNG Outlook. Find out more.
The Shell LNG Outlook, now in its third year, highlights key LNG trends in 2018 and focuses on future global supply and demand.
LNG demand is expected to reach about 384 million tonnes in 2020, the outlook finds. While a rebound in new long-term LNG contracting in 2018 could revive investment in liquefaction projects, Shell still expects supplies to tighten in the mid-2020s.
Cleaner city air
Ongoing efforts to improve urban air quality saw China's imports of LNG surge by 16 million tonnes in 2018, up by 40% from 2017, according to the Shell LNG Outlook.
China's success in making the air cleaner for millions of people shows the critical role that natural gas can play in providing more and cleaner energy to around the world.
On the supply side, Australian LNG exports caught up with those of long-time leading supplier Qatar towards the end of 2018 and are expected to rise by 10 million tonnes in 2019.
Both Australia and Qatar are well-positioned to supply rapidly developing economies across Asia with gas they need to improve air quality by displacing coal-fired power and heating.
Global LNG supply is set to rise by 35 million tonnes in 2019. Both Europe and Asia are expected to absorb all this additional supply.
Infographic - accessible version
Infographic - accessible version
Global energy demand is set to grow by 18% by 2035.
Gas is set to meet around 40% of this additional demand.
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) continues to be the fastest-growing gas supply source – more than half of LNG import growth in Asia.
35 millions tonnes of additional supply are expected in 2019 – Europe and Asia expected to absorb supply growth.
Efforts to improve air quality saw China’s LNG imports surge by around 16 million tonnes in 2018.
Supply investment still needed to avoid shortfall by mid-2020s.
China, India, South Korea and Pakistan led LNG demand growth in 2018.
LNG exports grew by 27 million tonnes half of the growth came from Australia.
Shell LNG Outlooks from other years
Shell LNG Outlooks from other years
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Cautionary note
Cautionary note
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