(Updates to add a Woodside spokesperson's comment)

Thailand's state-owned PTT (BKK:PTT) is considering investments in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) export projects to boost its energy security requirements, Bloomberg News reported Tuesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The oil and gas company is in initial talks with project developers on possible equity investments and long-term supply agreements, including discussions with Australia's Woodside Energy Group (ASX:WDS) over its Louisiana LNG project, the report said.

The main goal is to diversify fuel supplies away from the Middle East, since the war in Iran choked shipments and raised oil prices. Although Thailand has a long-term contract with Qatar, it was forced to secure expensive spot cargoes to keep up with the demand.

A Woodside Energy spokesperson said in an email to MT Newswires that the company does not comment on market speculation.

Meanwhile, PTT did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

Shares of Woodside Energy Group fell nearly 2% in recent trade.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)