US LNG Sector Primed for Growth Amid Current Feed Gas Challenges
The US liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector is expected to see significant growth in the coming years, despite current feed gas levels remaining subdued. According to Industrial Info Resources' NATGAS Today report, the amount of natural gas running to the terminals for exports as LNG has dropped below late 2025 highs of just over 19 billion cubic feet.
The main reason for this drop is maintenance at the Freeport LNG terminal, which continues to drag on feedstock levels. However, expansion projects along the Gulf Coast are expected to increase demand, with four of the nine operational terminals slated for growth.
One notable project is the Plaquemines terminal, operated by Venture Global LNG, which will add 1.96 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) to its feed gas capacity through trains 19-36. This expansion is expected to increase LNG exports by around 8.1% next year.
However, natural gas production is not expected to keep up with demand, increasing by only around 2.6% to reach 115.3 Bcf/d by next year. This could lead to a strain on the grid, particularly in light of heat advisories along the Gulf Coast.