LNG – Connecting Markets
Improvements in technology have dramatically increased the North American natural gas resource base, increasing supply capability and lowering prices for consumers. New shale gas developments will ensure that domestic demand is fully met while also opening up potential market-driven LNG exports.
Suppressing market access by limiting exports of surplus supplies will weaken the oil and gas industry’s ability to make new capital investments and create jobs. Allowing the export market to develop will offer more predictable demand to support investments, as well as greater supply flexibility to serve domestic demand.
Integrating North American natural gas markets with international markets through the use of LNG terminals for imports and exports supports the needs of both producers and consumers. LNG export projects are multibillion-dollar investments and must compete for markets on a global basis. The large number of competing projects will moderate how many projects are constructed and operated within North America. Gas producers benefit from access to markets that support continued investments, and consumers benefit from access to abundant and diverse supplies.
With the development of abundant natural gas resources and corresponding infrastructure development around the world, global trade of natural gas is on the rise.
