Shell expects LNG trade to remain flat in 2026

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on June 30 that Shell, in its "2026 LNG Outlook" report, predicts that due to supply disruptions caused by Middle East conflicts, global liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply will remain flat year-on-year, breaking the continuous growth trend of the past decade. The report assumes that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen this summer, but if the strait remains closed for several weeks, it could result in a rare annual contraction with about one-fifth of global exports affected. Shell stated that even after confirming the safety of passage through the strait, restarting LNG facilities requires six to eight weeks to gradually resume production. As the world's largest LNG trader, Shell expects LNG supply growth to recover by 2027. Contrary to Shell's expectations, Vitol Group and the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimate that supply-demand tensions may persist for about two years.```