Are U.S. LNG Exports Leading to Higher Prices? Yes, Say Consumer Advocates

Framed around projections that U.S. consumers could be hit with higher heating bills this year, advocacy groups are renewing the message that expanding U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports are part of the problem.

The nonprofit Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) is highlighting natural gas price fluctuations from last year in a new analysis exploring whether exports are exposing average Americans to higher prices. IEEFA researches options and advocates for an acceleration in the transition of the U.S. energy economy.

IEEFA’s Clark Williams-Derry, energy finance analyst, said the Henry Hub natural gas price spikes last year showed how gas exports will “bite” consumers, even when domestic production is up and consumption is down.

“LNG...