LNG Trade: Shell Assesses the Situation on the Global Market.

According to the Shell LNG Outlook 2025 annual review, liquefied natural gas is an important component of the global energy balance, and its significance is expected to grow in the future.In 2024, the volume of international trade in liquefied natural gas amounted to 407 million tons, but this increase of 3 million tons compared to the previous year is the lowest in the last 10 years.The biggest factor in growth was China, which increased its imports by more than 6 million tons. India also made a significant contribution, increasing its purchases by over 4 million tons. In addition, LNG import volumes grew in Egypt, South Korea, and Brazil.On the other hand, imports of liquefied natural gas to European countries have significantly decreased, explaining the overall slowdown in global trade of this type of energy carrier.Despite the slowdown, Shell analysts have improved their long-term forecasts for LNG demand. According to updated estimates, by 2040, global demand could range from 630 to 718 million tons, exceeding last year's forecast.Investments in LNG infrastructure, including the construction of new liquefied gas terminals, are creating a foundation for further development of this industry. LNG can play an important role in providing flexibility to energy systems during the transition to renewable energy sources, compensating for their instability.