Global demand for LNG expected to grow by 65% by 2050 in General Energy News 01/07/2026 Global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to increase to nearly 700 million tonnes a year by 2050, an increase of around 65% from 2025 levels1, according to Shell’s LNG Outlook 2026, as countries continue to prioritise flexible and reliable energy security offered by gas and LNG. A total of 422 million tonnes of LNG was traded in 2025 and this was expected to increase significantly in 2026. However, severe disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has shut in around one fifth of the world’s monthly LNG supply since the conflict started, pushing up prices on the spot market and adversely affecting some countries in Asia. The ramp up of new liquefaction facilities in North America, improved performance at existing plants and slower Asian imports of LNG have partially offset the impact of reduced supply from the Middle East. As a result, total LNG trade in 2026 could be similar to last year if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz returns to normal this summer, before returning to growth in 2027. “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,” said Cederic Cremers, President of Integrated Gas at Shell. “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.” Supply growth on the way About 180 million tonnes of annual new supply is forecast to enter the market by 2030, improving the availability and affordability of gas and opening up demand in new markets. However, the ability to benefit from new supply will depend on the availability of infrastructure in importing countries, including regasification capacity and pipeline connectivity, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Foreca