Global LNG demand to grow robustly

Qatargas CEO Khalid bin Khalifa Al-Thani presented Qatargas’ views on the global LNG market fundamentals at the monthly gas lecture organized by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) at the GECF Secretariat headquarters in Doha.
In his remarks, the Qatargas CEO said: “Global LNG demand will continue to grow robustly, especially in Asia. The LNG market will remain tight at least until the end of this decade. In order to secure LNG, customers need to attract LNG, or risk facing a choice between higher pollution and lower security of supply.
“In this environment, Qatargas continues to be a critical source of reliable LNG as demonstrated by our exemplary delivery and safety record and underpinned by our strong resource base, sound partnerships with international oil companies and solid support from Qatar.”
The gas lecture series is a GECF initiative designed to encourage discussions and debates on natural gas related topics in the energy sector involving all stakeholders, including producers, consumers, businesses, academics, international organizations as well as non-governmental organizations and the media.
The audience included ambassadors, government officers, representatives from local relevant industries, members of academia and energy experts.
The Qatargas CEO began his speech explaining Qatargas’ view on the global LNG market. Qatar delivers LNG to 26 out of a total of 29 LNG importing countries, accounting for 33 percent of the world’s LNG supply. The bulk of these supplies are to Asia, which holds 75 percent of total LNG demand.
He then went on to elaborate on the supply and demand in key LNG markets in Latin America, Europe and Asia.
The number of LNG importing countries in Latin America has doubled, from only three in 2007 to six in 2013 and is expected to reach nine by 2016.
“Even though the gas demand forecast in South America is relatively high, long-term volumes of LNG will have to compete with domestic and piped gas. Additionally, these markets will most likely be supplied by North American LNG volumes from upcoming new regional projects,” he said.
The LNG demand in Europe has been reduced by the Great Recession, Asia’s strong pull on flexible cargoes, cheap US coal imports and government subsidized renewable energy sources. However, Sheikh Khalid expressed his optimism regarding the resurgence of Europe’s LNG demand as its economy strengthens.
“Europe’s long-term LNG demand will rebound as its economy improves, indigenous gas declines, supply source diversity becomes critical and gas is required to support intermittent renewable energy needed to meet environmental targets. We believe deliveries will approach 100 million tons per annum (MTPA) by 2025,” he said.
The LNG demand in the Asia Pacific region, the world’s biggest LNG market, has almost doubled since 2005 and is expected to reach 320 MTPA by 2025.
Although China and India will experience strong LNG demand, the major area of LNG growth will come from South East Asia, a region that had not imported LNG until just three years ago.