Liquified Natural Gas Pricing Assessment

  • Commodity Pricing

liquified natural gas Markets Covered: 

auAustralia
qaQatar
usUnited States
inIndia

liquified natural gas Markets Covered: 

Global liquified natural gas Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast​

Moving into Q1 2025, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices of FOB Port Darwin continued to rise, reaching $21.04 USD/MMBTU, reflecting an increase of 15.73% from Q4 2024. This growth was driven by robust winter demand and strategic stockpiling by major importing countries, including China and Japan, to mitigate potential supply risks. Additionally, the anticipation of further price corrections led some buyers to secure long-term contracts to hedge against volatility. Despite the upward pressure on prices, Australia’s strategic role as a reliable LNG (METHANE CONTENT: >= 90%) supplier helped maintain market stability, ensuring a balanced flow of LNG to meet international requirements. 

In Q4 2024, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices of FOB Port Darwin surged to $18.18 USD/MMBTU, a 57.95% increase from Q3. This rise was driven by heightened demand from Europe and Asia amid concerns over potential disruptions in Russian gas supplies via Ukraine and seasonal demand spikes. Logistical challenges and increased transportation costs also contributed to the price hike. Despite this, Australia’s strong production capabilities ensured stable output and consistent exports. 

In Q3 2024, the LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) market of FOB Port Darwin saw a significant upward trend, with prices reaching $11.51 USD/MMBTU, reflecting a 34.46% increase from Q2. This surge was primarily driven by strong global demand as major importing countries, especially in Asia and Europe, sought to secure stable energy supplies amid geopolitical uncertainties. Australia’s position as one of the world’s leading LNG exporters played a crucial role in meeting this increased demand. Additionally, improved operational efficiencies and reliable export volumes from Australian LNG facilities supported price growth. The need for energy security and the ongoing recovery from the global energy crisis contributed to steady buying momentum, maintaining an overall positive market trend. 

In Q2 2024, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices of FOB Port Darwin continued their decline trend, falling to USD 8.56/MMBTU, reflecting an 11% decrease from Q1. This decline was largely due to decreased demand from industrial sectors, particularly in China, where energy consumption fell as the manufacturing sector faced a slowdown. Furthermore, ongoing supply chain improvements and the resolution of earlier logistical issues helped stabilize supply, easing price pressure. The improvement in global shipping routes and reduced traffic at major ports made it easier to transport LNG, which helped lower transportation costs. 

In Q1 2024, the global market of Liquified Natural Gas LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) experienced a bearish trend, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. FOB Port Darwin, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices reported at USD 9.58/MMBTU represented a significant decrease of 21% compared to the previous quarter. This drop was largely driven by abundant supply in the global market and weakened demand in key sectors, such as energy and power generation, as countries shifted towards renewable energy sources. Additionally, milder weather conditions across Asia reduced the demand for heating, contributing to the overall decline in prices. 

India liquified natural gas Price Trend, Analysis and Forecast

In Q1 2025, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices in Ex-Hazira stabilized at $7.68/MMBtu, showing a 2.35% decline from Q4 2024. The market remained balanced with adequate supply and moderate demand from power and manufacturing sectors. While global LNG prices saw some fluctuation due to weather-driven demand in Europe and Northeast Asia, the Indian market maintained relatively stable pricing, supported by efficient port operations and fewer freight disruptions. With steady fundamentals in place, the outlook for the coming quarter remains cautiously optimistic. 

In Q4 2024, Ex-Hazira LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices were reported at $7.5/MMBtu, marking a slight decrease of 8.50% from the previous quarter. The dip was influenced by sluggish demand in the industrial segment and stabilized imports, supported by better inventory levels and consistent supply from long-term contracts. Although the festive season typically boosts gas consumption in packaging and small-scale industries, the impact was offset by improved domestic production and softened spot procurement activity, keeping prices on the lower end. 

By Q3 2024, the LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) market showed signs of cooling, with prices in Ex-Hazira averaging around $8.2/MMBtu, reflecting a slight decrease of 4.06% from Q2. The market softened mainly due to reduced seasonal demand and an abundant global LNG supply, particularly from the US and Middle East exporters. On the domestic front, cooler-than-expected weather and improved storage capacities led to lower short-term buying. However, prices remained relatively firm due to ongoing freight challenges and logistical bottlenecks at Indian ports. 

Moving into Q2 2024, LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) prices in Ex-Hazira rose to $8.54/MMBtu, reflecting a 7.55% increase from Q1. The price growth was driven by sustained demand from industrial and commercial consumers, particularly in the fertilizer and ceramic sectors. A noticeable rise in global shipping activity, with a 7.4% increase in container port volumes and a 10.4% jump in containership supply, led to soaring freight rates, putting additional pressure on LNG costs. Port congestion across major Asian hubs and rerouting of vessels due to geopolitical tensions in key shipping lanes further intensified the market’s bullish momentum. 

In Q1 2024, the Indian LNG (Methane Content: >= 90%) market witnessed a bullish trend, largely influenced by the rise in natural gas feedstock prices and steady demand from major sectors such as power generation and industrial usage. In India, Ex- Hazira LNG prices stood at $7.8/MMBtu, marking a slight increase from the previous quarter, with a positive change of 11.01%. This upward movement was supported by seasonal heating demand during the winter months, combined with strong spot purchases from key buyers. Additionally, limited shipping availability and increased freight rates added pressure on FOB India prices, further driving the market upward. 

liquified natural gas Parameters Covered: 

  • Australia
  • USA
  • Qatar
  • Power Generation
  • Industrial Fuel
  • Residential and Commercial Use
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
  • Propane, Butane, Ethane
  • (Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs))

liquified natural gas Parameters Covered: 

  • Australia
  • USA
  • Qatar
  • Power Generation
  • Industrial Fuel
  • Residential and Commercial Use
  • Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)
  • Propane, Butane, Ethane
  • (Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs))

Why PriceWatch?

PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global liquified natural gas price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the liquified natural gas market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence liquified natural gas prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely liquified natural gas market data.

Track PriceWatch's liquified natural gas price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Liquified Natural Gas prices

  • COVID-19 Pandemic :(2021-2022): A combination of post-pandemic recovery, supply shortages, and high demand, particularly in Europe and Asia, resulted in an unprecedented spike in LNG prices. This crisis highlighted the fragility of the global supply chain. 
  • Hurricane Ida and Texas winter storm (2021): Both the Texas winter storm and Hurricane Ida caused significant disruptions in LNG production and export facilities, leading to production outages and temporary supply shortages, which resulted in spikes in LNG prices due to constrained supply. 
  • U.S.-China Trade War (2018-2019): Geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and China affected LNG trade flows, with China imposing tariffs on U.S. LNG imports. This disrupted supply chains and contributed to market instability during the period. 
  • Hurricane Harvey (2017): Severe flooding in Texas from Hurricane Harvey temporarily halted LNG production and exports, causing a supply shortage and a temporary spike in global prices. 
  • Global LNG Supply Expansion (2016-2018): The ramp-up of LNG production in Australia and Qatar’s announcement to increase its production capacity by 30% significantly boosted global LNG supply during this period. This expansion challenged traditional suppliers and led to downward pressure on prices as the market adjusted to the increased availability of LNG. 

 

These events highlight the sensitivity of the LNG market to geopolitical tensions, weather disruptions, and shifts in supply-demand dynamics, underscoring the importance of monitoring global trends. 

Data Collection and Sources​

  • Real-Time Market Data:
    PriceWatch gathers real-time pricing data from a wide range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures our assessments reflect the latest market conditions for Liquified Natural Gas. 
  • On-the-Ground Intelligence:
    Our team collects insights directly from key market players, including LNG producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users across major production hubs. This local intelligence is vital to understanding the unique dynamics of specific LNG markets. 
  • Supply Chain Monitoring:
    We monitor the entire Liquified Natural Gas supply chain, from extraction and liquefaction to transportation and distribution. This includes tracking natural gas prices, shipping routes, storage capacities, and terminal operations to provide a full picture of supply dynamics. 

Event Tracking and Impact Analysis​

  • Geopolitical Tensions:
    PriceWatch keeps a close eye on global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts, sanctions, and trade disputes, which can significantly impact LNG prices. For instance, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its disruption to European gas markets have led to price volatility worldwide. 
  • Natural Disasters and Climate Events:
    We assess the impact of weather-related events, such as hurricanes, typhoons, and extreme cold spells, on LNG production and export facilities. Events like hurricanes in the U.S. Gulf Coast or freezing conditions in key exporting nations can lead to short-term supply disruptions. 
  • Economic Shifts:
    PriceWatch analyses macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation, and sector-specific demand (e.g., power generation, industrial use). These factors are crucial in predicting LNG demand and resulting price movements. 

Production Capacity and Supply Analysis

  • Current Production Monitoring:
    We maintain a detailed global database of LNG production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance activities, and output levels. This helps us assess the current supply of Liquified Natural Gas at any given time. 
  • Future Capacity Projections:
    Our research includes forecasts of future LNG production capacity, considering new liquefaction plants, expansions, and advancements in technology. This aids in predicting future supply trends and potential impacts on price stability. 

Demand Forecasting

  • Sectoral Demand Analysis:
    PriceWatch offers a deep dive into demand trends across key sectors, such as power generation, industrial applications, and residential heating. We monitor year-on-year demand growth and predict future consumption patterns based on market indicators. 
  • Global Demand Dynamics:
    Our analysis looks at regional variations in demand and how they influence global LNG prices. This includes evaluating shifts in energy policies, changes in environmental regulations, and regional supply and demand imbalances. 

Pricing Model Development

  • Dynamic Pricing Models:
    PriceWatch uses advanced econometric models to forecast Liquified Natural Gas prices, integrating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are constantly updated to improve accuracy and reliability. 
  • Scenario Analysis:
    We run scenario-based analyses to examine possible future market conditions. This includes evaluating best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, helping clients prepare for various market developments. 

Reporting and Client Support

  • Comprehensive Reports:
    Clients receive detailed reports featuring current LNG price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to provide actionable insights and clear recommendations. 
  • Ongoing Support:
    PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized client support, ensuring you always have the latest information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available for discussions on specific market trends and to offer tailored advice. 

This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers accurate, timely, and actionable Liquified Natural Gas pricing assessments, helping clients stay ahead of market trends and make well-informed business decisions. 

Molecular Weight[g/mol]

16.04 g/mol

CAS No

8006-14-2

HS Code

271111

Molecular Formula

CH4
liquified natural gas

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is a colourless, non-toxic liquid formed by cooling natural gas to extremely low temperatures, making it more compact and easier to transport. It is primarily composed of methane and is sourced from natural gas fields. Liquified Natural Gas is widely used as an energy source for heating, electricity generation, and fuel for transportation due to its efficiency and lower environmental impact compared to other fossil fuels. Its ability to be transported over long distances by specialized tankers makes it a crucial component in global energy trade.

Packaging Type

Tanker (Export-Import, Domestic)

Grades Covered

Methane Content: >= 90%

Incoterms Used

FOB Port Darwin, FOB Ras Laffan, Ex-Louisiana, Ex- Hazira

Synonym

LNG, Liquid Methane, Natural Gas

PriceWatch Quotation Terms:

300-500 MMBTU

Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.

Component  Ras Laffan (%)  Standard (%)  Mole Fraction (µmol/mol)  Standard Uncertainty (µmol/mol) (k=1) 
Methane (CH₄)  90.28  89.63  876335.7255  9.1238 
Ethane (C₂H₆)  6.33  6.32  99659.6382  7.9624 
Propane (n-C₃H₈)  2.49  2.16  20544.1381  2.307 
Butane (n-C₄H₁₀)  0.49  1.2  1659.7897  0.9147 
Isobutane (i-C₄H₁₀)  0  0  0.6035  0.0302 
Pentane (n-C₅H₁₂)  0.02  0  190.8249  0.037 
Iso-Pentane (i-C₅H₁₂)  0  0  186.81  0.0368 
Nitrogen (N₂)  0.41  0.69  1206.6016  0.849 
H₂      21.2093  2.0582 
H₂O      2.3334  1.1067 
Propene      2.0573  1.187 
CO₂      186.0012  0.1321 
Ar      0.2929  0.1183 
O₂      0.2272  0.0779 
CₓHᵧ      0.1726  0.299 
CO      0.0288  0.0083 

Applications

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) is primarily used as a cleaner energy source for various applications. It is widely used in power generation to produce electricity more efficiently. Liquified Natural Gas also serves as a fuel for heating in homes and industries. In transportation, it is used as a fuel for ships and heavy vehicles, reducing emissions compared to traditional fuels. Additionally, Liquified Natural Gas is important in industrial processes, such as in manufacturing and refining, where it provides a reliable and low-emission energy source. Liquified Natural Gas is also essential for exporting natural gas, enabling transport over long distances via specialized tankers.

Liquified Natural Gas price provided by PriceWatch is a base price and excludes VAT/Taxes, discounts, or offers. The information herein is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the date indicated and is provided solely for the convenience of our customers as a reference for liquified natural gas. PriceWatch disclaims any warranties or representations regarding the accuracy of results derived from this information. It is the sole responsibility of the user to assess the suitability of the product for their specific application. This document does not constitute an endorsement to use the product in violation of any applicable patent rights.

The price of Liquified Natural Gas is influenced by several factors, including supply and demand dynamics, production costs, and transportation expenses. Additionally, geopolitical events, weather conditions, and global economic trends can significantly impact pricing. Fluctuations in the price of crude oil and natural gas also play a crucial role, as they affect LNG production and competition with alternative fuels.

Changes in global supply and demand directly impact Liquified Natural Gas pricing. When demand increases due to factors such as economic growth or seasonal heating needs, prices tend to rise. Conversely, oversupply from increased production capacity or reduced demand can lead to price declines. Procurement heads should closely monitor market trends and adjust sourcing strategies to navigate these fluctuations effectively.

Liquified Natural Gas pricing can vary significantly by region due to differences in local demand, transportation costs, and supply chain logistics. For instance, regions with abundant natural gas resources may have lower prices compared to those that rely on imports. Procurement teams should consider these regional price variations when developing sourcing strategies, looking for opportunities in cost-competitive markets and optimizing logistics to reduce overall expenses.

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