By Joe Stonor and Adam Whittaker
Global supply of liquefied natural gas could contract this year if disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues for a prolonged period, according to British energy major Shell.
Shell said Tuesday in its annual LNG report that global physical LNG cargos sold this year could be similar to the 422 million metric tons sold in 2025. It then expects a return to growth in 2027.
However, the forecast is dependent on shipping through the waterway returning to normal levels this summer. Continued disruption over the remainder of the year could result in a rare annual supply contraction, Shell said.
Prior to the conflict, Shell had expected global LNG sales to increase significantly over 2026.
