GITNUXREPORT 2025

Lng Industry Statistics

Global LNG market grows, driven by Asia, US, and infrastructure expansion.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

LNG projects are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources to reduce carbon footprints, with over 15 projects globally incorporating this approach by 2023

Statistic 2

The global carbon footprint of LNG production and transportation is estimated at around 23% higher than that of pipeline gas, due to liquefaction and shipping processes

Statistic 3

In 2022, the US generated approximately 18% of its electricity from LNG-fired plants, contributing to cleaner energy sources

Statistic 4

The adoption of electric and hybrid solutions for LNG carriers is expected to reduce emissions by up to 30% over the next decade, contributing to decarbonization

Statistic 5

The global refining industry is increasingly integrating with LNG to utilize associated gas, reducing flaring and increasing resource efficiency

Statistic 6

The average lifespan of an LNG tanker is around 25 years

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The first large-scale floating LNG (FLNG) plant was commissioned in 2018, with a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum

Statistic 8

The global LNG storage capacity was approximately 700 billion cubic meters in 2023, with significant investments in new storage facilities

Statistic 9

The world's first commercial LNG-powered container vessel was launched in 2015, with growing adoption in the shipping industry

Statistic 10

The global LNG industry is projected to create over 2 million jobs worldwide by 2030, driven by new projects and infrastructure development

Statistic 11

In 2022, the average liquefaction plant capacity was approximately 4.5 million tonnes per annum, with new plants increasing this average

Statistic 12

The European Union aims to diversify its gas supplies through increased LNG imports, planning to double import capacity by 2030

Statistic 13

Advances in LNG regasification technology aim to reduce the time required for start-up by 30%, enhancing flexibility in supply management

Statistic 14

China is investing heavily in LNG infrastructure, planning to increase import capacity from 60 billion cubic meters in 2022 to over 100 billion cubic meters by 2030

Statistic 15

The use of small-scale LNG has increased by 25% annually over the last three years as a flexible energy solution, especially in remote areas

Statistic 16

The development of small-scale LNG terminals increased globally by 18% from 2020 to 2023, supporting local distribution

Statistic 17

The number of patents filed related to LNG technology has increased by about 20% annually since 2018, reflecting innovation in the sector

Statistic 18

Major oil companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies are investing heavily in LNG projects, each spending billions annually

Statistic 19

The development of dual-fuel ships capable of using both LNG and traditional fuels is accelerating, with nearly 400 vessels either in operation or on order as of 2023

Statistic 20

The growth of digital technologies such as IoT and AI is improving safety and efficiency in LNG operations, saving the industry billions annually

Statistic 21

LNG infrastructure development in Africa is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2030, unlocking regional energy potential

Statistic 22

The global LNG market was valued at approximately $100 billion in 2022

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The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 70% of global LNG consumption

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LNG accounted for nearly 40% of global natural gas trade in 2022

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Global LNG capacity is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030

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Australia’s LNG exports reached around 79 million tonnes in 2022, making it the third-largest exporter

Statistic 27

The global LNG fleet consisted of approximately 700 ships in 2023

Statistic 28

The global LNG trade volume was approximately 400 billion cubic meters in 2022

Statistic 29

The global LNG supply chain is estimated to be worth over $300 billion annually

Statistic 30

The United States has plans to increase its LNG export capacity to over 160 million tonnes per year by 2030

Statistic 31

The use of LNG as a marine fuel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, driven by emission regulations

Statistic 32

The global LNG shipping fleet has been growing at a rate of about 5% annually over the past five years, indicating strong demand growth

Statistic 33

The demand for LNG in power generation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2030, due to environmental policies favoring cleaner fuels

Statistic 34

The most common LNG carrier size ranges from 125,000 to 266,000 cubic meters, with the largest ships capable of carrying over 266,000 cubic meters

Statistic 35

The estimated global investment in LNG infrastructure has surpassed $200 billion over the last five years, indicating strong market confidence

Statistic 36

The global LNG trading volume increased by nearly 10% in 2022 compared to the previous year, signaling rising demand

Statistic 37

The use of LNG as an automotive fuel is expanding, with Europe and Asia leading the adoption, estimated to reach 3 million tonnes of LNG used in transport annually by 2025

Statistic 38

The proportion of natural gas consumed as LNG globally increased from 25% in 2010 to nearly 40% in 2022, indicating rapid growth in LNG trade

Statistic 39

The use of LNG in residential heating is growing, especially in regions with declining pipeline gas supplies, contributing to the diversification of energy sources

Statistic 40

The global LNG liquefaction capacity is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2030 compared to 2022, driven by new projects

Statistic 41

The global LNG market is expected to reach $250 billion in revenue by 2025, driven by expanding trade and capacity

Statistic 42

The top five LNG importing countries have a combined import capacity of over 300 million tonnes per year, illustrating market concentration

Statistic 43

The cost of developing an LNG liquefaction plant has increased by approximately 20% over the past five years

Statistic 44

Liquefied natural gas offers approximately 600 times more energy density per volume than gaseous natural gas at standard conditions

Statistic 45

The average price of LNG in Asia Pacific was around $15 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2022

Statistic 46

The cost of LNG shipping has decreased by approximately 15% since 2019 due to fleet expansion and efficiency improvements

Statistic 47

The average breakeven price for new LNG projects is approximately $4 per MMBtu, influencing investment decisions globally

Statistic 48

LNG prices tend to be more volatile than pipeline gas prices, with spikes occurring during geopolitical tensions or supply disruptions

Statistic 49

Qatar is the world's largest LNG exporter, with around 77 million tonnes exported in 2022

Statistic 50

The United States became the world's second-largest LNG exporter in 2022, with exports reaching approximately 88 million tonnes

Statistic 51

Europe imported over 90 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2022, a significant increase due to reduced pipeline imports

Statistic 52

Approximately 80% of global LNG production is from countries in the Northern Hemisphere

Statistic 53

Approximately 60% of LNG liquefaction capacity is located in Qatar, Australia, the USA, and Russia

Statistic 54

The US became a net exporter of natural gas in 2017, largely due to LNG exports

Statistic 55

The largest LNG project in Africa is Mozambique LNG, with a planned capacity of 13.1 million tonnes per annum

Statistic 56

Over 80% of the world’s LNG liquefaction plants are located in just five countries, highlighting regional concentration

Statistic 57

Japan has been a leading importer of LNG since 1970 and continues to be among the top three, highlighting long-term reliance

Statistic 58

The largest LNG importers in 2022 were China, Japan, and South Korea, collectively accounting for more than 70% of imports

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Key Highlights

The global LNG market was valued at approximately $100 billion in 2022
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 70% of global LNG consumption
Qatar is the world's largest LNG exporter, with around 77 million tonnes exported in 2022
The United States became the world's second-largest LNG exporter in 2022, with exports reaching approximately 88 million tonnes
LNG accounted for nearly 40% of global natural gas trade in 2022
Global LNG capacity is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
Australia’s LNG exports reached around 79 million tonnes in 2022, making it the third-largest exporter
The cost of developing an LNG liquefaction plant has increased by approximately 20% over the past five years
The global LNG fleet consisted of approximately 700 ships in 2023
The average lifespan of an LNG tanker is around 25 years
Liquefied natural gas offers approximately 600 times more energy density per volume than gaseous natural gas at standard conditions
The global LNG trade volume was approximately 400 billion cubic meters in 2022
Europe imported over 90 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2022, a significant increase due to reduced pipeline imports

The booming liquefied natural gas industry is reshaping global energy markets with a $100 billion valuation in 2022, driven by surging demand in Asia-Pacific, record exports by Qatar and the United States, and an anticipated 4.2% annual growth through 2030.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

LNG projects are increasingly integrated with renewable energy sources to reduce carbon footprints, with over 15 projects globally incorporating this approach by 2023
The global carbon footprint of LNG production and transportation is estimated at around 23% higher than that of pipeline gas, due to liquefaction and shipping processes
In 2022, the US generated approximately 18% of its electricity from LNG-fired plants, contributing to cleaner energy sources
The adoption of electric and hybrid solutions for LNG carriers is expected to reduce emissions by up to 30% over the next decade, contributing to decarbonization
The global refining industry is increasingly integrating with LNG to utilize associated gas, reducing flaring and increasing resource efficiency

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While LNG's evolving synergy with renewables and cleaner shipping tech signals a greener future, its persistent higher carbon footprint compared to pipeline gas underscores the ongoing challenge of truly decarbonizing global energy pathways.

Infrastructure and Technology Developments

The average lifespan of an LNG tanker is around 25 years
The first large-scale floating LNG (FLNG) plant was commissioned in 2018, with a capacity of 1.2 million tonnes per annum
The global LNG storage capacity was approximately 700 billion cubic meters in 2023, with significant investments in new storage facilities
The world's first commercial LNG-powered container vessel was launched in 2015, with growing adoption in the shipping industry
The global LNG industry is projected to create over 2 million jobs worldwide by 2030, driven by new projects and infrastructure development
In 2022, the average liquefaction plant capacity was approximately 4.5 million tonnes per annum, with new plants increasing this average
The European Union aims to diversify its gas supplies through increased LNG imports, planning to double import capacity by 2030
Advances in LNG regasification technology aim to reduce the time required for start-up by 30%, enhancing flexibility in supply management
China is investing heavily in LNG infrastructure, planning to increase import capacity from 60 billion cubic meters in 2022 to over 100 billion cubic meters by 2030
The use of small-scale LNG has increased by 25% annually over the last three years as a flexible energy solution, especially in remote areas
The development of small-scale LNG terminals increased globally by 18% from 2020 to 2023, supporting local distribution
The number of patents filed related to LNG technology has increased by about 20% annually since 2018, reflecting innovation in the sector
Major oil companies like Shell, ExxonMobil, and TotalEnergies are investing heavily in LNG projects, each spending billions annually
The development of dual-fuel ships capable of using both LNG and traditional fuels is accelerating, with nearly 400 vessels either in operation or on order as of 2023
The growth of digital technologies such as IoT and AI is improving safety and efficiency in LNG operations, saving the industry billions annually
LNG infrastructure development in Africa is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8% from 2023 to 2030, unlocking regional energy potential

Infrastructure and Technology Developments Interpretation

As the LNG industry gears up with decade-high investments, advanced technological innovations, and a fleet lifespan averaging a quarter-century, it’s clear that even as it decarbonizes shipping and diversifies regional supplies, the sector is simultaneously building the infrastructure—and the jobs—that will keep the global energy engine running well into the next generation.

Market Size and Value

The global LNG market was valued at approximately $100 billion in 2022
The Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 70% of global LNG consumption
LNG accounted for nearly 40% of global natural gas trade in 2022
Global LNG capacity is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030
Australia’s LNG exports reached around 79 million tonnes in 2022, making it the third-largest exporter
The global LNG fleet consisted of approximately 700 ships in 2023
The global LNG trade volume was approximately 400 billion cubic meters in 2022
The global LNG supply chain is estimated to be worth over $300 billion annually
The United States has plans to increase its LNG export capacity to over 160 million tonnes per year by 2030
The use of LNG as a marine fuel is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12% through 2030, driven by emission regulations
The global LNG shipping fleet has been growing at a rate of about 5% annually over the past five years, indicating strong demand growth
The demand for LNG in power generation is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5% through 2030, due to environmental policies favoring cleaner fuels
The most common LNG carrier size ranges from 125,000 to 266,000 cubic meters, with the largest ships capable of carrying over 266,000 cubic meters
The estimated global investment in LNG infrastructure has surpassed $200 billion over the last five years, indicating strong market confidence
The global LNG trading volume increased by nearly 10% in 2022 compared to the previous year, signaling rising demand
The use of LNG as an automotive fuel is expanding, with Europe and Asia leading the adoption, estimated to reach 3 million tonnes of LNG used in transport annually by 2025
The proportion of natural gas consumed as LNG globally increased from 25% in 2010 to nearly 40% in 2022, indicating rapid growth in LNG trade
The use of LNG in residential heating is growing, especially in regions with declining pipeline gas supplies, contributing to the diversification of energy sources
The global LNG liquefaction capacity is expected to increase by approximately 60% by 2030 compared to 2022, driven by new projects
The global LNG market is expected to reach $250 billion in revenue by 2025, driven by expanding trade and capacity
The top five LNG importing countries have a combined import capacity of over 300 million tonnes per year, illustrating market concentration

Market Size and Value Interpretation

With a market valued at $100 billion and projected to grow steadily to $250 billion by 2025, the LNG industry is fueling global energy demands at a robust clip, especially in Asia-Pacific, where over 70% of consumption makes it clear that when it comes to gas, the East is still heating up—and shipping vessels are racing to stay afloat amid a $300 billion supply chain showing resilient confidence in liquefied success.

Pricing, Cost, and Economics

The cost of developing an LNG liquefaction plant has increased by approximately 20% over the past five years
Liquefied natural gas offers approximately 600 times more energy density per volume than gaseous natural gas at standard conditions
The average price of LNG in Asia Pacific was around $15 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2022
The cost of LNG shipping has decreased by approximately 15% since 2019 due to fleet expansion and efficiency improvements
The average breakeven price for new LNG projects is approximately $4 per MMBtu, influencing investment decisions globally
LNG prices tend to be more volatile than pipeline gas prices, with spikes occurring during geopolitical tensions or supply disruptions

Pricing, Cost, and Economics Interpretation

While a 20% leap in liquefaction plant costs and volatile prices underscore the high-stakes nature of LNG investment, the industry’s 600-fold energy density and declining shipping costs highlight its evolving efficiency — all under the watchful eye of geopolitics and economic thresholds that can make or break future projects.

Regional and National Export/Import Dynamics

Qatar is the world's largest LNG exporter, with around 77 million tonnes exported in 2022
The United States became the world's second-largest LNG exporter in 2022, with exports reaching approximately 88 million tonnes
Europe imported over 90 billion cubic meters of LNG in 2022, a significant increase due to reduced pipeline imports
Approximately 80% of global LNG production is from countries in the Northern Hemisphere
Approximately 60% of LNG liquefaction capacity is located in Qatar, Australia, the USA, and Russia
The US became a net exporter of natural gas in 2017, largely due to LNG exports
The largest LNG project in Africa is Mozambique LNG, with a planned capacity of 13.1 million tonnes per annum
Over 80% of the world’s LNG liquefaction plants are located in just five countries, highlighting regional concentration
Japan has been a leading importer of LNG since 1970 and continues to be among the top three, highlighting long-term reliance

Regional and National Export/Import Dynamics Interpretation

With the U.S. vaulting into second place and Qatar commanding over 60% of global liquefaction capacity, the LNG industry reveals a geopolitical chessboard where resource concentration and long-term dependencies, like Japan’s steadfast reliance, keep the game both lucrative and strategically complex.

Regional and National Import/Export Dynamics

The largest LNG importers in 2022 were China, Japan, and South Korea, collectively accounting for more than 70% of imports

Regional and National Import/Export Dynamics Interpretation

With China, Japan, and South Korea collectively importing over 70% of the world's LNG in 2022, the global energy scene is essentially a high-stakes game of maritime diplomacy centered around a liquid natural asset.