Shell’s LNG Outlook 2026 claims global demand for liquified natural gas (LNG) will increase to nearly 700 million tonnes a year by 2050 – around 65% from 2025 levels – as countries prioritise flexible and reliable energy security.
While LNG trading was expected to increase significantly in 2026 from 2025, severe disruption through the Strait of Hormuz has contained around one fifth of the world’s monthly LNG supply since the war began, hampering efforts. However, new liquification facilities in North America, improved performance at existing plants and slower Asian imports of LNG have partially offset the impact.
The Outlook also claims that LNG bunkering will grow to 27 million tonnes by 2035.
Cederic Cremers, president of Integrated Gas at Shell, says: ‘The conflict created a system-wide shock with disruption cascading across all segments of the economy, but the LNG industry has proved resilient and able to adapt to changing market conditions. While more investment in both supply and demand infrastructure is needed, the long-term outlook remains strong and LNG will continue to be a stabilising force in the global energy system.’
