LNG trade in the Asia-Pacific region: Current status and future prospects

Abstract

In only two decades, the Asia-Pacific region has become the most important region in the international LNG scene. Today, despite existing high potential for additional market penetration in Asia-Pacific, the LNG industry is standing at the crossroads. With the number of participants increasing, and a series of (so far long-term) LNG contracts expiring in the early 1990s, market participants need to reconsider contractual approaches if LNG is to further contribute to growing energy requirements and reduction of oil-dependency and environmental pollution. In addition to contract stability, flexibility will be a crucial factor in the future.