BG Group Sees More Volatile Global LNG Market

LONDON--The global market for liquefied natural gas will become more volatile as fresh supply streams emerge and new markets open up at different times, BG Group PLC (BG.LN) said in its annual LNG outlook.

However, despite volatility caused by mismatches between supply and demand, spot LNG prices will trade in a narrower range than in recent years due to lower oil prices, said Andrew Walker, BG's vice president of global LNG.

BG Group is one of the world top LNG companies. Shipping LNG cargoes around the world delivered around 40% of BG's earnings before interest and tax in 2014.

"After four years of flat supply we are entering a period of supply growth. This new supply will be absorbed by continued growth in Asian demand, together with the creation of up to six new markets," Mr. Walker said.

Demand from new markets in Egypt, Jordan, Pakistan, Philippines, Poland and Uruguay will help to absorb new LNG supplies from projects either starting or ramping up in Australia, including BG's giant Queensland Curtis development, Indonesia and the Sabine Pass in the U.S., BG said.

BG kept its forecast for global LNG demand growth at 5% a year to 2025, driven by Asia. The rate is twice as fast as for natural gas overall, the company said.

BG expects global LNG trade to exceed 400 million metric tons a year by 2025.

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