Shell says global demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is expected to keep growing for years, even with price swings caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
The company believes LNG demand could rise by at least 45% by 2050 compared to 2025 levels. It expects total yearly demand to reach between 610 million and 780 million tons by then.
This comes at a time when the LNG market is facing disruptions because of tensions in the region. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—a key route for fuel exports—has slowed down.
According to Bloomberg, Shell has declared force majeure, meaning it had to stop supplying some customers, after a shutdown at a major LNG export facility in Qatar.
This report is part of Shell’s updated long-term outlook, now extended to 2050. The company said the data reflects the situation as of March 16, 2026, but warned that things could still change depending on how the Middle East conflict develops.
Shell expects Asia to lead the growth in demand, as it continues to be the center of global economic expansion. At the same time, Europe will still need LNG, even as it pushes toward cleaner energy, because renewable projects are not growing fast enough yet.
Interestingly, this rising demand may come alongside more supply in the market, which could help lower gas prices. Lower prices, in turn, could encourage more countries to start using LNG.
However, Shell also pointed out some challenges. Many LNG projects are facing delays due to higher costs, supply chain issues, and labor shortages.
Meanwhile, reports say QatarEnergy may delay a major LNG expansion project until at least 2027.
In short, demand for LNG is expected to grow strongly, but uncertainty and delays in supply projects could shape how the market develops in the coming years.
 is expected to keep growing for years, even with price swings cause...){kind=link}