The U.S. has reached a significant milestone in its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, with feedgas demand surpassing 20 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) for the first time. This achievement comes a decade after the first LNG cargo was exported from Sabine Pass, marking a rapid expansion of the country's LNG infrastructure. Currently, the U.S. operates eight LNG terminals, with seven more under construction, reflecting the surge in demand for natural gas exports.
The journey to this milestone began in the late 2000s and early 2010s when U.S. shale gas production surged, leading to a surplus of low-cost natural gas. This abundance spurred investments in natural gas-fired power generation and LNG export facilities. The first LNG export terminal in the Lower 48, Sabine Pass, started operations in 2016 and was followed by several other terminals, collectively known as the 'first wave of U.S. LNG.' By early 2020, U.S. LNG export capacity had reached around 7.5 Bcf/d, with feedgas demand averaging about 8.3 Bcf/d.
Feedgas demand, which includes the gas needed to produce LNG and additional gas for terminal operations, briefly spiked above 9 Bcf/d before dropping due to the impacts of Covid-19. However, the capacity buildout continued, and by the end of 2020, feedgas demand had climbed back above previous records, exceeding 11 Bcf/d. In 2022, Venture Global’s Calcasieu Pass LNG became the first fully greenfield export terminal, followed by Plaquemines LNG in 2025. These projects, along with expansions at existing terminals, pushed U.S. feedgas demand above 19 Bcf/d.
The seasonal nature of LNG demand also plays a role in feedgas fluctuations. LNG production is more efficient in winter, coinciding with peak demand periods in end markets. Maintenance schedules and short-term sales further influence feedgas demand. For instance, Sabine Pass, the largest terminal, saw feedgas demand average just under 4.5 Bcf/d in 2025, with higher levels during peak months. This year, the peak feedgas demand was in April, averaging 19.31 Bcf/d, driven by winter demand and commissioning terminals.