Qatar’s Push to Maintain LNG Dominance Promises to Influence How Competitors Market Volumes – Column

Editor’s Note: This column is part of a regular series by industry veteran Brad Hitch for NGI’s LNG Insight dedicated to addressing the complexities of the global natural gas market.

When Australia’s LNG exports overtook Qatar’s in 2021, it was the first and only time since 2005 that Qatar had not been the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter. It regained the title in 2022. 

Whereas continued Australian expansion is facing headwinds from reserve depletion and the cost implications of Australia’s net-zero emissions push, Qatar is forging ahead with the massive North Field expansion project that could ultimately boost its LNG output from 77 million metric tons/year (mmty) to 126 mmty by the end of the decade and again solidify its preeminent role in the world...