On September 29th, within global energy markets, AUS GLOBAL believes that in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) trading sector, BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, and Italy's Eni hold leading positions, while US giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron are working to catch up.

Both companies are eager to expand their LNG trading operations, having previously considered this sector too risky for investment. "I want to scale up significantly now, I need all the talent," a company executive stated. An unnamed gas trader also noted, "Within Exxon, there are now only three things that matter most: Guyana, the United States, and trading." AUS GLOBAL considers this strategic shift timely for US energy giants and a necessary response to the rapid growth of the global LNG market.

According to Shell's 2025 Annual LNG Report, liquefied natural gas demand will rise significantly in coming years. By 2040, global LNG demand is projected to increase by 60%, primarily driven by Asian economic development. Tom Summers, head of Shell's LNG trading division, stated: "Latest forecasts show the world needs more natural gas for power generation, heating and cooling, industry, and transport to achieve development and decarbonization goals." AUS GLOBAL believes this demonstrates the enormous growth potential of the LNG market, extending beyond traditional energy powerhouses to a broad global market.

Currently, Shell is the world's largest LNG trader. While their statements may carry promotional overtones, they are not alone in predicting rising gas demand. For instance, most European countries will rely on LNG for over two-thirds of their natural gas supply needs in the future. As the European Union attempts to replace other sources with American energy, the US share of EU LNG imports is expected to rise substantially, provided emission and supply chain regulations are moderately adjusted. AUS GLOBAL sees this as providing new market opportunities for international LNG suppliers while driving changes in global trading patterns.

Asian economies demonstrate strong growth momentum. Indonesia, for example, announced earlier this year it would delay LNG exports to secure domestic supply and meet growing demand. The country ranks as the world's sixth-largest LNG exporter. With rising Asian demand for liquefied natural gas, major European oil companies are prepared to supply. Shell plans to add 12 million tons of LNG capacity by 2030, while TotalEnergies plans to increase LNG trading volumes under management by 50% within the same timeframe. BP launched new LNG projects in Senegal and Mauritania this year, planning to develop both countries as major LNG hubs. AUS GLOBAL views these moves as demonstrating European energy companies' strategic positioning in the global LNG supply chain and their capacity to address future demand growth.

Meanwhile, US giants Exxon Mobil and Chevron have joined the competition. Both companies recently appointed new LNG trading heads and signed supply agreements for approximately 7 million tons annually each. While volumes remain modest, this marks US companies' gradual expansion into demand centers like Asia. Peter Clarke, head of Exxon's LNG division, stated: "Today's LNG market differs from the past, even large producers like BP and Shell are willing to sign deals with other producers, despite existing trading risks." AUS GLOBAL believes intensified LNG trading competition will bring price advantages to major global consumers while driving market efficiency improvements.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) noted in a July report that due to economic factors, overall natural gas demand may slow this year, but LNG demand is expected to accelerate next year. The International Gas Union (IGU) predicts gas demand will remain stable with slight growth of approximately 1.7% this year. IGU's annual report shows, "Observed trends indicate global energy demand is projected to maintain an upward trajectory over the next decade, especially through 2030." AUS GLOBAL believes this long-term growth trend further reinforces the investment and trading value of the global LNG market.

Overall, while Exxon Mobil and Chevron rank among the world's largest natural gas and LNG producers, as one Swiss gas producer and trader noted: "If you focus on just one segment, you might experience two to three years of highlights followed by downturns." MET Group Chairman Benjamin Lakatos also pointed out: "To succeed in LNG, you must deploy comprehensively." AUS GLOBAL believes that facing sustained growth in global LNG demand, comprehensive positioning and cross-regional strategies will be key to maintaining corporate competitiveness.