Shell projects annual LNG demand to increase by 700 million tons by 2050, driven by China’s imports and expanding global adoption.
Global liquefied natural gas demand is projected to climb 65% by 2050, reaching 700 million tons annually, according to industry forecasts. The growth reflects rising consumption in China, where LNG imports have surged 258% since 2016, and broader market expansion as 49 countries now import LNG, up from 36 eight years ago.
The LNG market is expected to grow at a 7.1% compound annual rate through 2035, outpacing earlier projections. The U.S. has emerged as the world’s largest LNG exporter over the past decade, reinforcing energy independence trends and supporting long-term demand for related equities.
Investors remain cautious due to LNG’s historical volatility, though fundamentals such as geopolitical shifts and industrial demand continue to underpin the sector’s outlook. Major energy stocks, including ExxonMobil, are positioned to benefit from the anticipated growth.