The global LNG market is going through a cycle of change in the underlying fundamentals. Particularly the new wave of supply from the US and Australian projects is a game changer. There already is a move away from long-term to spot trading. There will be a need for more flexible contracts, and new pricing mechanisms as short-term and spot trading grows. Impacting the global LNG prices in the short and medium term.

These structural trends are combining to change the way that LNG is being contracted. The traditional LNG contracting model was built on long term, destination specific, oil-indexed contracts between producers and suppliers. But a surplus of gas from the current supply glut is boosting the negotiation power of LNG buyers, who are seeking greater volume and pricing flexibility. The LNG contracting market is maturing with a growing role of intermediary players and emerging market buyers. In parallel, there is a growing importance of hub market price signals like Henry Hub, NBP and JKM as a benchmark from which to contract LNG. With spot and short term trading benchmarked at volatile price indexes there will also be a growing need for risk management instruments like swaps and futures.

Now the current status quo will cease to exist LNG buyers, sellers and traders will have to change to new business models to be among the winners in the market. Some of these changes are going to provide great opportunities for those who can realign their business.

• Board and senior management members
• New or recent LNG Traders
• Risk Management
• Back Office
• Compliance
• Regulators & Lawyers
• Consultants