Back to overview Home Fossil Energy Shell’s LNG forecast anticipates 65% surge in demand by 2050 Shell’s LNG forecast anticipates 65% surge in demand by 2050 Market Outlooks June 30, 2026, by Melisa Cavcic Share this article UK-headquartered energy giant Shell is expecting an uptick in demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) to nearly 700 million tonnes a year by 2050, following supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, which was cushioned by North American supply growth. Prelude FLNG; Source: Shell According to Shell’s ‘ LNG Outlook 2026 ,’ global LNG demand is projected to increase to nearly 700 million tonnes a year by 2050, a jump of around 65% from 2025 levels, as countries continue to prioritize flexible and reliable energy security offered by gas and LNG. While a total of 422 million tonnes of LNG was traded in 2025, the volume was expected to grow significantly in 2026, before the severe disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz shut in around one-fifth of the world’s monthly LNG supply since the conflict started, pushing up prices on the spot market and adversely affecting some countries in Asia. However, the ramp-up of new liquefaction facilities in North America, improved performance at existing plants, and slower Asian imports of LNG have partially offset the impact of reduced supply from the Middle East. In light of this, total LNG trade in 2026 could be similar to last year, if shipping through the Strait of Hormuz goes back to normal levels this summer, before returning to growth in 2027. Even though about 180 million tonnes of annual new supply is forecast to enter the market by 2030, improving the availability and affordability of gas and opening up demand in new markets, the ability to benefit from new supply will depend on the availability of infrastructure in importing countries, including regasification capacity and pipeline connectivity, especially in South and Southeast Asia. Given that forecasts show those regions