Global LNG News Japan may once again become the largest importer of LNG, the US ST LNG project outlined the conditions for the investment decision, NOVATEK offered LNG and liquefaction technologies to African countries. Japan may once again become the world's largest LNG importer in 2026, ahead of China. ICIS forecasts Japan's imports at 62 million tons compared to China's 61 million tons. According to Kepler's estimates, the figures will be 63 million and 62 million tons respectively. Chinese buyers are limiting spot purchases amid high prices, with the country's underground storage facilities reaching 80% capacity by the end of September. Japan also reduced LNG consumption in summer production, replacing it with coal. (Oil price.com) The American ST LNG project plans to make a final investment decision in the middle or end of 2027, subject to the signing of contracts for at least 2 million tons of LNG per year. The $8.2 billion project was previously licensed to build an offshore export terminal in Texas. There are no long-term contracts yet, but the company is negotiating with buyers from India, Europe and Asia. Commercial launch is planned for mid-2030. (investments.com) NOVATEK offered African countries Russian LNG and its own gas liquefaction technology to develop electricity generation. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Sergey Solovyov estimated the potential capacity of the African market at 20-30 million tons of LNG per year, about 7% of the global market. For landlocked countries, the company is considering shipping through the ports of neighboring countries, including Kenya and South Africa. Many routes do not yet have the necessary terminals and contracts. (Interfax).

Global LNG News Japan may once again become the largest importer of LNG, the US ST LNG project outlined the conditions for the investment decision, NOVATEK offered LNG and liquefaction technologies to African countries. Japan may once again become the world's largest LNG importer in 2026, ahead of China. ICIS forecasts Japan's imports at 62 million tons compared to China's 61 million tons. According to Kepler's estimates, the figures will be 63 million and 62 million tons respectively. Chinese buyers are limiting spot purchases amid high prices, with the country's underground storage facilities reaching 80% capacity by the end of September. Japan also reduced LNG consumption in summer production, replacing it with coal. (Oil price.com) The American ST LNG project plans to make a final investment decision in the middle or end of 2027, subject to the signing of contracts for at least 2 million tons of LNG per year. The $8.2 billion project was previously licensed to build an offshore export terminal in Texas. There are no long-term contracts yet, but the company is negotiating with buyers from India, Europe and Asia. Commercial launch is planned for mid-2030. (investments.com) NOVATEK offered African countries Russian LNG and its own gas liquefaction technology to develop electricity generation. Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors Sergey Solovyov estimated the potential capacity of the African market at 20-30 million tons of LNG per year, about 7% of the global market. For landlocked countries, the company is considering shipping through the ports of neighboring countries, including Kenya and South Africa. Many routes do not yet have the necessary terminals and contracts. (Interfax).