LNG Imports for Asia Hit Lowest Level in 6 Years

SadaNews - Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in Asia have fallen to their lowest level in nearly six years, as the conflict in the Middle East chokes supplies and forces buyers to reduce consumption.

The 30-day moving average for net shipments to the region fell below 600,000 tons over the weekend, the lowest level since June 2020, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg. This was during a time when the Coronavirus pandemic had reduced gas demand across Asia.

Buyers in Asia are bracing for a prolonged natural gas shortage after the failure of the United States and Iran to reach a peace agreement during talks in Pakistan over the weekend, prolonging the conflict that has cut nearly one-fifth of supplies from global markets since its onset in late February.

U.S. President Donald Trump separately stated that the United States would begin a full maritime blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, escalating a confrontation that has already nearly halted shipping traffic in this waterway.

Supply Declines Pressure Major Importers in Asia

Pakistan, which relies heavily on LNG from Qatar, has not received any shipments of this super-cooled fuel since early March, according to the data. Qatar had halted production following last month’s attacks.

The 30-day moving average for deliveries to China, the largest buyer in 2025, decreased by 30% compared to the previous year, while India saw a decline of 20%.

Shipments to other major buyers, including Japan and South Korea, have also dropped to levels approaching their lowest seasonal figures in six years.

Some natural gas-fired power plants in Japan are cutting output, while South Korea has lifted restrictions on its coal plants to reduce LNG consumption.