Asian LNG imports fall to near six-year low amid Middle East supply disruptions

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports into Asia have dropped to their lowest levels in nearly six years as supply disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict force major buyers to cut consumption.

According to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, the 30-day moving average of net LNG shipments to the region fell below 600,000 tons over the weekend — the lowest level since June 2020, when demand was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decline comes as the conflict between the United States and Iran continues to disrupt global energy flows. Around one-fifth of global LNG supply has been affected since late February, with tensions escalating after recent talks in Pakistan failed to produce a peace agreement.

The situation has been further complicated by Washington’s announcement of a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global energy shipments.

Several major Asian importers have seen sharp declines in deliveries. Pakistan, which relies heavily on LNG from Qatar, has not received any shipments since early March after Qatari production was halted following attacks last month.

Deliveries to China, the world’s largest LNG importer in 2025, have fallen by about 30% compared with a year earlier, while India has seen a 20% drop.

Imports to other major consumers, including Japan and South Korea, have also declined to near six-year seasonal lows. In response, some Japanese gas-fired power plants are reducing output, while South Korea has eased restrictions on coal-fired generation to limit LNG use.

Analysts say the ongoing supply squeeze is likely to persist as long as disruptions in the Middle East continue, raising concerns over energy security and price volatility across Asia.

By Sabina Mammadli