BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 4. Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports fell by 2.9%, or 0.99 million tonnes year-on-year, to 33.36 million tonnes in June 2026.
The decline was reported in the monthly report of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).
According to the report, the drop in global LNG imports was mainly driven by lower deliveries to Europe. Higher imports in Asia, as well as in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region, partially offset the decline. GECF said the market slowdown was linked to the negative impact on global supply from restrictions on LNG shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Despite the monthly decline, global LNG imports in January-June 2026 rose 1.1%, or 2.39 million tonnes, year-on-year to 215.64 million tonnes. The increase was mainly supported by stronger demand in the Middle East and Africa region.
Global LNG exports also declined in June, falling 0.5%, or 0.17 million tonnes, year-on-year to 33.58 million tonnes. GECF attributed the decline primarily to continued restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, higher exports from non-GECF countries almost fully offset lower shipments from GECF members and weaker re-export activity.
In June, the United States, Australia and Russia were the world's largest LNG exporters. As a result, the share of non-GECF countries in global LNG supply increased to 67.8% in June 2026 from 52.9% a year earlier. During the same period, GECF members' market share declined to 32%, while re-exports accounted for only 0.2%.
Global LNG exports showed positive momentum in the first six months of the year, increasing 1.3%, or 2.8 million tonnes, year-on-year to 214.37 million tonnes. The growth was mainly driven by higher exports from countries outside the GECF.
The report noted that global LNG re-exports plunged 68% in June to 0.07 million tonnes, the lowest level in recent years. The decline was mainly due to a sharp reduction in re-export operations in Chile and Indonesia. However, total re-exports during January-June increased 4.5% to 1.95 million tonnes, supported mainly by higher re-exports from China.
The report also said the number of LNG cargoes shipped worldwide in June increased by 13 voyages from the previous month to 508 cargoes, representing a 1% year-on-year increase. A total of 3,192 LNG cargoes were delivered during January-June.
During the period, GECF maintained a 38% share of global LNG shipments. The largest exporters among GECF members were Malaysia, Russia and Qatar.
Since the beginning of the year, the largest increases in LNG cargo volumes were recorded in the United States (+166 cargoes) and Nigeria (+33 cargoes). In percentage terms, the strongest growth was seen in the Republic of the Congo and Egypt, where LNG cargo volumes increased by 200% in both countries.
GECF also reported that the spot freight market for LNG carriers remained broadly stable in June. The average daily freight rate for TFDE-type LNG carriers increased 1% month-on-month to $60,700, while rates for two-stroke engine vessels rose 3% to $87,400 per day.
The average daily freight rate for steam turbine LNG carriers increased 12% month-on-month to $28,100.
According to the report's authors, positive market sentiment in June was largely supported by expectations of a framework peace agreement in the Middle East and the possible reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. These factors strengthened expectations for the restoration of LNG supplies from Qatar and the UAE to Asian markets.
At the same time, expectations of shorter shipping routes from the Middle East toward the end of the month reduced the economic attractiveness of longer-distance shipments from the U.S. Gulf Coast and contributed to some decline in spot freight rates.
The report said the average global bunker fuel price in June stood at $680 per tonne, down 15% from the previous month. As a result, spot shipping costs for LNG cargoes declined by up to $0.18 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) on some routes.
However, compared with the same period last year, shipping costs remained higher on some routes by as much as $0.95/MMBtu, due to elevated fuel, freight and LNG prices.
The Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) is an intergovernmental organization bringing together leading gas-exporting nations. The group includes 20 countries, comprising 12 full members and eight observers. Azerbaijan holds observer status at the GECF.
The forum's monthly gas market report analyzes global economic conditions, gas consumption and production, pipeline and LNG trade, gas storage levels, and short-term trends in energy markets and prices.
