Viewpoint

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply market increased to nearly 237 million metric tons (metric MMt) in 2012, or around a third of the global gas trade. Despite this impressive long-term growth history, global LNG trade declined by about 2% in 2012—the first dip in global LNG commerce since 1981. LNG trade decreased due to supply constraints, despite growing demand throughout most of Asia and parts of the Americas.  Global LNG supply in 2012 Anticipated and unanticipated LNG supply constraints resulted in strong competition for available volumes in 2012. This is partly because actual liquefaction capacity additions in 2012 failed to meet expectations. Only one new project entered service