Japan and China have some of the highest spot prices for liquefied natural gas. In January 2024, customers in Japan and China paid approximately 10.05 U.S. dollars per million British thermal unit of LNG delivered. Destination markets in Europe and South America experienced slightly lower shipping costs. In the last few years, the global trade volume of LNG has increased notably, exceeding 500 billion cubic meters shipped.

LNG demand growth and largest destination markets

Increased gas demand and improved liquefaction technology has prompted growth in the gas market and the entry of new players. LNG prices were initially strongly influenced by crude oil, however, as the market grew it developed independent benchmarks. As one of the largest LNG importing countries, the price for LNG in Japan has become synonymous with the global benchmark.

Countries in Europe have some of the highest natural gas prices for the industry in the world. In the second quarter of 2024, industrial customers in Switzerland paid approximately 0.16 U.S. dollars per megawatt hour worth of natural gas. This was considerably higher than the price of gas in natural gas producing countries such as Russia and Algeria. Determining natural gas prices Like other commodities, natural gas prices are driven by supply and demand trends. In some instances, they may also reflect developments within the oil market, as both commodities are often produced together. Natural gas prices are volatile. Seeing as the consumption of natural gas is often without alternative (e.g. within power plants), short-term changes to supply and demand have huge repercussions for the market. Weather is also a common determinant of natural gas prices. Unprecedented heat waves in the U.S. have driven up electricity demand for air conditioning and affected weekly Henry Hub natural gas prices in the hotter summer months. Natural gas demand Primary energy demand generated by natural gas worldwide is highest in North America. Nevertheless, forecasts suggest that the Asia Pacific region will experience a doubling in such demand by 2050 and overtake consumers in North America. The United States is still leading a ranking of world natural gas consumption by country. However, China has increased its LNG and gas pipeline investment portfolio, which could see it becoming an even greater consumer in the future.

In 2026, liquified natural gas (LNG) was forecast to cost approximately 11.5 U.S. dollars per million British thermal units in Japan. The country imported the majority of its natural gas supply from overseas. Natural gas production in JapanSince Japan has limited natural resources, it heavily depends on imports for its primary energy supply. Only a small amount of the total supply of natural gas energy is produced domestically in areas such as Hokkaido, Chiba, or Niigata Prefecture. The natural gas produced in the around 60 oil and natural gas mines operating in Japan is mainly wet and dry natural gas. Minami-Kanto natural gas fields dissolved in water, which lies across Chiba Prefecture and surrounding prefectures, yields close to 20 percent of the total production of natural gas in the country. The saltwater in the field also includes a great amount of iodine. Japan is hence one of the leading countries regarding iodine production. LNG importsApart from the two percent of in-house natural gas production, the rest of the natural gas supply in Japan originates from liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from countries like Australia, the state of Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Japan imported over 71 megatons of LNG in recent years, making the country the world’s largest importer of LNG. Natural gas and LNG accounted for over 21 percent of the total primary energy supply in Japan, indicating that natural gas and LNG are some of the most essential resources the country requires.

CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Tianjin data was reported at 4,445.000 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,516.670 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Tianjin data is updated daily, averaging 4,622.000 RMB/Ton from Feb 2020 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 9,140.000 RMB/Ton in 08 Jan 2021 and a record low of 2,120.000 RMB/Ton in 12 Jun 2020. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Tianjin data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Liquefied Natural Gas in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East Africa).

CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Zhejiang: Hangzhou data was reported at 4,430.000 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,530.000 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Zhejiang: Hangzhou data is updated daily, averaging 4,680.000 RMB/Ton from Sep 2023 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 89 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 6,518.000 RMB/Ton in 29 Dec 2023 and a record low of 3,982.000 RMB/Ton in 19 Apr 2024. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Zhejiang: Hangzhou data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

Graph and download economic data for Global price of LNG, Asia (PNGASJPUSDM) from Jan 1992 to Jun 2025 about Asia, World, and price.

In 2022, liquified natural gas (LNG) cost approximately 18.4 U.S. dollars per million British thermal units in Japan. The country imported the majority of its natural gas supply from overseas.

Natural gas production in Japan

Since Japan has limited natural resources, it heavily depends on imports for its primary energy supply. Only a small amount of the total supply of natural gas energy is produced domestically in areas such as Hokkaido, Chiba, or Niigata Prefecture. The natural gas produced in the around 60 oil and natural gas mines operating in Japan is mainly wet and dry natural gas. Minami-Kanto natural gas fields dissolved in water, which lies across Chiba Prefecture and surrounding prefectures, yields close to 20 percent of the total production of natural gas in the country. The saltwater in the field also includes a great amount of iodine. Japan is hence one of the leading countries regarding iodine production.

LNG imports

Apart from the two percent of in-house natural gas production, the rest of the natural gas supply in Japan originates from liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports from countries like Australia, the state of Qatar, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Japan imported over 71 megatons of LNG in recent years, making the country the world’s largest importer of LNG. Natural gas and LNG accounted for over 23 percent of the total primary energy supply in Japan, indicating that natural gas and LNG are some of the most essential resources the country requires.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Main Price: Heilongjiang data was reported at 4,750.000 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 4,750.000 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Main Price: Heilongjiang data is updated daily, averaging 5,100.000 RMB/Ton from Feb 2020 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 10,400.000 RMB/Ton in 15 Jan 2021 and a record low of 3,100.000 RMB/Ton in 23 Oct 2020. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Main Price: Heilongjiang data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Ningxia data was reported at 4,350.000 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,366.670 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Ningxia data is updated daily, averaging 4,465.000 RMB/Ton from Feb 2020 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,450.000 RMB/Ton in 15 Jan 2021 and a record low of 2,400.000 RMB/Ton in 04 Sep 2020. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Low Price: Ningxia data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

The average monthly price for natural gas in the United States amounted to **** nominal U.S. dollars per million British thermal units (Btu) in May 2025. By contrast, natural gas prices in Europe were about three times higher than those in the U.S. Prices in Europe tend to be notably higher than those in the U.S. as the latter benefits from being a major hydrocarbon producer. Europe's import reliance European prices for natural gas rose most notable throughout the second half of 2021 and much of 2022, peaking at over ** U.S. dollars per million Btu in August 2022. The sharp rise was due to supply chain issues and economic strain following the COVID-19 pandemic, which was further exacerbated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. As a result of the war, many countries began looking for alternative sources, and Russian pipeline gas imports to the European Union declined as a result. Meanwhile, LNG was a great beneficiary, with LNG demand in Europe rising by more than ** percent between 2021 and 2023. How domestic natural gas production shapes prices As intimated, the United States’ position among the leaders of worldwide natural gas production is one of the main reasons for why prices for this commodity are so low across the country. In 2023, the U.S. produced more than ************ cubic meters of natural gas, which allays domestic demand and allows for far lower purchasing prices.

The size of the China LNG Market was valued at USD XX Million in 2023 and is projected to reach USD XXX Million by 2032, with an expected CAGR of 7.00% during the forecast period. China LNG has dramatically expanded in recent years. In fact, China is the world's largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Being determined to decrease its reliance on coal, which has contributed hugely to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the country has also targeted the use of alternative energy sources. This drive of the government to promote a cleaner alternative in the form of natural gas has largely taken the shape of increased L N G imports, and major terminals are being constructed along the coast to accommodate this growth. Mixing long-term contracts with spot market purchases would give the flexibilities in sourcing this commodity. Further, very heavy investments have been made in home country infrastructure, as witnessed by pipelines and storage facilities in place to back further growth of natural gas application for heating residential needs, for power generation, and for industrial use. Improved regasification technologies are also enhancing efficiencies while reducing the costs. However, global LNG prices are still volatile and geopolitics in some form or another create tensions, and other energy sources continue to compete with it. Since China aims to eventually become a more sustainable energy model for the future, the prospects for the LNG market are ready to play an even more critical role in fulfilling the country's needs while supporting economic growth with friendly efficiencies for the environment. The future of China's general LNG market is bright as part of a far broader trend toward a cleaner energy future. Recent developments include: In 2022, the Tianjin LNG terminal went under construction with a capacity of 5 metric tons per annum. The project received a sovereign loan from Asian Investment Bank (USD 500 million) and New Development Bank (EUR 430 million) in March 2021., In September 2021, China's state-controlled government, Sinopec, started constructing the Longkou LNG regasification terminal with a capacity of 6.5 metric tons per annum. The terminal is expected to be commissioned by October 2023.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Rising Industrialization across the Globe4.; Increasing Utilization of Natural Gas. Potential restraints include: 4., High Cost of Installation and Maintenance. Notable trends are: LNG regasification will dominate the market..

Australia has the highest export value of LNG in the world. In 2023, Australia exported more than ** billion U.S. dollars worth of liquefied natural gas. Correspondingly, the country is also among the leading exporting countries of LNG.

Liquefied Natural Gas Market Outlook

The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market size was valued at USD 200 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 310 billion by 2032, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% during the forecast period. The growth of the LNG market is primarily driven by the increasing demand for cleaner fuel alternatives, advancements in liquefaction and regasification technologies, and significant investments in LNG infrastructure.

One of the primary growth factors for the LNG market is the global shift towards cleaner energy sources. Countries worldwide are adopting stringent environmental regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, which has led to an increased preference for LNG over traditional fossil fuels. LNG, being a cleaner energy source, produces significantly lower carbon dioxide and sulfur emissions compared to coal and oil, making it an attractive option for power generation and industrial applications.

Technological advancements in the liquefaction and regasification processes have significantly enhanced the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of LNG production and distribution. Innovations such as floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) facilities and advancements in cryogenic storage technologies have reduced the overall costs associated with LNG production. These technological developments have made LNG a more competitive and viable energy option, further boosting the market growth.

The significant investments and expansion projects in LNG infrastructure are also instrumental in driving market growth. Major energy companies and governments are investing heavily in the construction of LNG terminals, storage facilities, and transportation networks. These infrastructure developments are crucial for ensuring a steady supply of LNG to meet the growing global demand. Additionally, the rising use of LNG in the transportation sector, particularly in marine and heavy-duty vehicles, is contributing to the market expansion.

From a regional perspective, the Asia Pacific region is expected to dominate the LNG market during the forecast period. The region's rapid industrialization, urbanization, and increasing energy consumption are major factors driving the demand for LNG. Countries like China, India, and Japan are leading importers of LNG, and their ongoing infrastructure projects and government initiatives to promote cleaner energy are likely to propel the market growth further. Moreover, North America, with its abundant natural gas reserves and advanced extraction technologies, is emerging as a significant LNG exporter, contributing to the regional market dynamics.

Application Analysis

The application segment of the LNG market is categorized into transportation, power generation, mining & industrial, and others. Each of these segments plays a critical role in the overall market dynamics, driven by unique demand factors and growth prospects. In the transportation sector, LNG is increasingly being adopted as an alternative fuel for ships, trucks, and trains due to its lower emissions and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional fuels like diesel and heavy fuel oil. The International Maritime Organization's regulations on sulfur emissions are pushing the maritime industry towards cleaner fuels, making LNG a preferred choice.

Power generation is another significant application segment where LNG is gaining traction. The transition from coal-fired power plants to gas-fired plants is a major trend observed globally. LNG's ability to provide a cleaner and more efficient source of energy for electricity generation is driving its adoption in this segment. Countries are investing in LNG-based power plants to meet their increasing energy demands while adhering to environmental regulations aimed at reducing carbon footprints.

In the mining and industrial sectors, LNG is used as a fuel for various operations. Industries such as chemical manufacturing, metal processing, and food production require substantial energy inputs. LNG provides a reliable and cleaner energy source for these industries, helping them reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The mining sector, in particular, benefits from LNG's ability to power heavy machinery and equipment in remote locations where access to traditional energy sources may be limited.

Other applications of LNG include its use in residential and commercial heating. As natural gas is piped into homes and businesses for heating and cooking purposes, the role of LNG

CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Chongqing data was reported at 4,617.500 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This records a decrease from the previous number of 4,633.330 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Chongqing data is updated daily, averaging 4,497.000 RMB/Ton from Feb 2020 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,880.000 RMB/Ton in 25 Feb 2022 and a record low of 3,200.000 RMB/Ton in 23 Oct 2020. CN: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Chongqing data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

About the ProjectKAPSARC is analyzing the shifting dynamics of the global gas markets. Global gas markets have turned upside down during the past five years: North America has emerged as a large potential future LNG exporter while gas demand growth has been slowing down as natural gas gets squeezed between coal and renewables. While the coming years will witness the fastest LNG export capacity expansion ever seen, many questions are raised on the next generation of LNG supply, the impact of low oil and gas prices on supply and demand patterns and how pricing and contractual structure may be affected by both the arrival of U.S. LNG on global gas markets and the desire of Asian buyers for cheaper gas.Key PointsIn the past year, global gas prices have dropped significantly, albeit at unequal paces depending on the region. All else being equal, economists would suggest that this should have generated a positive demand response. However, “all else” was not equal. Prices of other commodities also declined while economic growth forecasts were downgraded. Prices at benchmark points such as the U.K. National Balancing Point (NBP), U.S. Henry Hub (HH) and Japan/Korea Marker (JKM) slumped due to lower oil prices, liquefied natural gas (LNG) oversupply and unseasonal weather. Yet, the prices of natural gas in local currencies have increased in a number of developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, former Soviet Union (FSU) and Asia. North America experienced demand growth while gas in Europe and Asia faced rising competition from cheaper coal, renewables and, in some instances, nuclear. Gains to European demand were mostly weather related while increases in Africa and Latin America were not significant. For LNG, Europe became the market of last resort as Asian consumption declined. Moreover, an anticipated surge in LNG supply, brought on by several new projects, may lead to a confrontation with Russian or other pipeline gas suppliers to Europe. At the same time, Asian buyers are seeking concessions on pricing and flexibility in their long-term contracts. Looking ahead, natural gas has to prove itself a credible and affordable alternative to coal, notably in Asia, if the world is to reach its climate change targets. The future of the gas industry will also depend on oil prices, evolution of Chinese energy demand and impact of COP21 on national energy policies. Current low prices mean there is likely to be a pause in final investment decisions (FIDs) on LNG projects in the coming years.

TTF Gas rose to 35.31 EUR/MWh on July 31, 2025, up 0.84% from the previous day. Over the past month, TTF Gas's price has risen 4.18%, but it is still 4.49% lower than a year ago, according to trading on a contract for difference (CFD) that tracks the benchmark market for this commodity. EU Natural Gas TTF - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Gansu data was reported at 4,600.000 RMB/Ton in 09 May 2025. This stayed constant from the previous number of 4,600.000 RMB/Ton for 02 May 2025. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Gansu data is updated daily, averaging 5,190.000 RMB/Ton from Feb 2020 (Median) to 09 May 2025, with 274 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 8,650.000 RMB/Ton in 15 Jan 2021 and a record low of 2,850.000 RMB/Ton in 18 Sep 2020. Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market High Price: Gansu data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Shandong Longzhong Information Technology Co., Ltd.. The data is categorized under China Premium Database’s Energy Sector – Table CN.RBP: Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG): Market Price.

LNG-FSRU Market Outlook

The global Liquefied Natural Gas Floating Storage Regasification Unit (LNG-FSRU) market size was valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 3.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period. The rising demand for clean and efficient energy sources is a significant growth driver for this market. Additionally, the flexibility and economic advantages offered by LNG-FSRUs over traditional land-based infrastructure are further fueling this market's growth.

One of the primary growth factors for the LNG-FSRU market is the increasing global energy demand and the transition towards cleaner energy alternatives. As countries worldwide strive to reduce carbon emissions and meet international environmental targets, LNG emerges as a preferred fuel due to its lower carbon footprint compared to coal and oil. LNG-FSRUs offer a cost-effective and flexible solution for regasification, making them highly attractive for countries with limited land space for large-scale infrastructure projects. This flexibility allows for quicker project implementation and reduced initial capital expenditure, spurring market growth.

Another significant growth factor is the rapid expansion of the LNG trade. The global LNG trade has been experiencing robust growth, driven by the increasing number of LNG-exporting and importing countries, advancements in LNG technology, and the diversification of energy sources. LNG-FSRUs play a crucial role in facilitating this trade by providing a versatile solution for LNG importers. They allow for the swift deployment of regasification capacity to meet the rising demand, thereby supporting market expansion. Additionally, FSRUs can be relocated based on market demand, offering unparalleled operational flexibility.

The strategic benefits of LNG-FSRUs are also driving market growth. For countries and companies looking to venture into the LNG market without committing to permanent infrastructure, FSRUs offer a viable alternative. They can be leased or chartered, minimizing financial risks and allowing for easier entry into the LNG market. Moreover, FSRUs can serve as a transitional solution while permanent onshore regasification facilities are being developed, providing continuity and stability in energy supply.

The Offshore LNG Terminal concept is gaining traction as a strategic solution to meet the increasing global demand for LNG. These terminals are typically located in deep water, away from the coast, allowing for the accommodation of large LNG carriers and facilitating efficient transfer of LNG to FSRUs. Offshore LNG Terminals offer several advantages, including reduced environmental impact on coastal areas and the ability to serve multiple markets from a single location. The flexibility of these terminals allows for rapid deployment and scalability, catering to fluctuating market demands. As the LNG trade continues to expand, the role of Offshore LNG Terminals becomes increasingly crucial in enhancing the global LNG supply chain's efficiency and reliability. Their strategic positioning and operational flexibility make them an attractive option for countries seeking to diversify their energy sources and improve energy security.

Looking at the regional outlook, Asia Pacific stands out as the dominant region in the LNG-FSRU market. The region's burgeoning energy needs, primarily driven by economic growth and urbanization in countries like China and India, are substantial. Moreover, several Southeast Asian nations are increasingly adopting LNG to diversify their energy mix and reduce dependency on coal. North America and Europe are also significant markets, with the former benefitting from its extensive natural gas resources and the latter focusing on enhancing energy security and diversifying energy sources.

Vessel Type Analysis

Within the LNG-FSRU market, vessel type is a key segmentation, and it is categorized into Small-Scale FSRUs, Mid-Scale FSRUs, and Large-Scale FSRUs. Small-Scale FSRUs are designed to cater to areas with lower demand for LNG, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for remote or less accessible locations. These units are particularly useful for island nations or regions without extensive energy infrastructure. The smaller size allows for easier maneuverability and deployment, making them an attractive option for niche markets.

Mid-Scale FSRUs are designed to strike a

The United Kingdom was the most expensive market for LNG in the European Union in the fourth quarter of 2021, with an average wholesale liquefied natural gas price of ***** euros per megawatt hour. France and Spain both recorded the second most expensive wholesale price, at ***** euros per megawatt hour.