U.S. LNG Demand Hits Record Levels, Led by Major Exporters

U.S. natural gas demand for liquefied natural gas (LNG) reached an unprecedented level of over 19 billion cubic feet on Friday, marking the third consecutive day of record high usage. This surge in demand is highlighted by data from the financial firm LSEG, reinforcing the United States’ position as the world’s largest exporter of LNG.

The increase in demand has primarily been driven by the two largest LNG exporters in the country. The Cheniere Energy facility at Sabine Pass, Texas, reported an intake of 5.1 billion cubic feet on Friday. Meanwhile, Venture Global’s Plaquemines plant in Louisiana continued its upward trajectory, pulling in 4.2 billion cubic feet on the same day.

Driving Factors Behind the Surge

In 2024, the average U.S. LNG natural gas demand was below 12 billion cubic feet per day. The recent spike can be attributed largely to the ramp-up of operations at the Plaquemines facility, which began production in the final week of 2024. As of now, it is processing over 4 billion cubic feet per day.

Typically, U.S. LNG output and demand for natural gas tend to rise during the cooler months. This seasonal increase occurs as plants operate more efficiently, with most maintenance shutdowns planned for the summer months.

The data from LSEG underscores a significant shift in the U.S. energy landscape, showcasing not only the country’s capacity for increased natural gas production but also the sustained global demand for LNG. With the current trajectory, the U.S. is well-positioned to maintain its leading role in the international energy market.

As the situation develops, industry analysts will be closely monitoring how these production levels impact global energy prices and trade dynamics. The sustained high demand signals a robust recovery in energy consumption, following fluctuations experienced in recent years.