Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Asian Buyers Dump LNG as Conflict Disrupts Middle Eastern Supplies
A conflict between the United States and Iran has made it harder to ship natural gas.
Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have had trouble exporting LNG.
Ships using the Strait of Hormuz have also been badly affected.
This has helped push LNG prices from $10 to $30.
Some large Asian buyers may use more coal and oil instead.
China, India and Pakistan are among the countries whose LNG demand could fall for now.
Industry executives think this change may not last forever.
They expect LNG demand to return when supply disruptions ease and more gas becomes available.
LNG prices have risen to $30 from $10 before the war.
The US-Iran conflict has disrupted LNG exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
Shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have been severely affected.
China, India and Pakistan may shift toward coal and oil as LNG supplies tighten.
Industry executives expect Asian LNG demand to recover after disruptions ease and new volumes enter the market.
- Who
- Major Asian LNG buyers, including buyers in China, India and Pakistan, along with LNG exporters Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
- What
- An LNG supply disruption linked to the US-Iran conflict is prompting Asian buyers to reduce gas use and consider coal and oil.
- When
- During the current US-Iran conflict; the articles do not specify dates.
- Where
- LNG supply routes involving Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Strait of Hormuz, with effects on China, India and Pakistan.
- Why
- The conflict has disrupted Middle Eastern LNG exports and severely affected shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Temporary LNG Demand Retreat
Expected LNG Demand Recovery
Asian fuel choices
Temporary LNG Demand Retreat
Higher LNG prices and disrupted shipments may push buyers in China, India and Pakistan toward coal and oil.
Expected LNG Demand Recovery
Industry executives expect this shift to be temporary rather than a lasting move away from LNG.
Supply outlook
Temporary LNG Demand Retreat
The conflict has disrupted exports from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, while Strait of Hormuz shipments are severely affected.
Expected LNG Demand Recovery
LNG demand could return once Middle Eastern disruptions ease and additional LNG volumes reach the market.
- Current LNG price
- $30
- Pre-war LNG price
- $10
- Affected exporters
- Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
- Affected shipping route
- Strait of Hormuz
- Potential substitute fuels
- Coal and oil
- Potentially recovering markets
- China, India and Pakistan
- Expected longer-term trend
- Asian LNG demand could recover after disruptions ease and additional volumes enter the market