LNG Buyers Diversify Supply Routes as Iran War Disrupts Gulf Shipments.

Importers turn to West Africa, Indonesia and Australia as Middle East supply risks reshape global LNG trade.

LNG buyers are seeking alternative suppliers and supply routes as the Iran war disrupts shipments from the Gulf, prompting Asian importers to reassess their dependence on Middle Eastern supplies. Countries and companies are exploring LNG from West Africa, Indonesia, Australia, Norway and North America to reduce exposure to disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Thailand’s PTT is evaluating supplies from Oman, North America and West Africa, while Bangladesh is exploring Indonesia, Australia and China after previously relying heavily on Qatar. India’s GAIL and other Asian buyers have also sourced replacement cargoes from alternative regions, although spot-market purchases have come at higher premiums. The disruption has affected around 36 million tonnes of Middle Eastern LNG supply, according to industry estimates. However, new global capacity additions have limited the net supply shortfall this year to about 5 million tonnes, or roughly 1–1.5% of global LNG supply. The shift could encourage greater investment in gas projects beyond the US and Qatar.