Skip to main content
See every side of every news story
Published loading...Updated

Asia Turns to Coal Amid LNG Supply Crisis

Asian countries cut LNG output and increase coal power amid doubled spot LNG prices and disrupted shipments caused by the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, analysts say.

  • On March 17, Reuters reported Asian utilities are boosting coal-fired power to cut costs and safeguard energy supply, industry officials said.
  • Shipping disruptions have forced Asia spot LNG prices to double to three-year highs as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has stopped and Qatar halted shipments.
  • In South Asia, Bangladesh increased coal generation and imports in March, while the Philippines, Vietnam and Thailand cut LNG output and boosted coal use last week.
  • Investment trackers warn that Wood Mackenzie cut its Asian LNG import forecast to about 5 million metric tons from 12.4 million, with Lucas Schmitt stating 'The conflict will significantly reduce Asian LNG demand growth in 2026' and Global Energy Monitor warning $107 billion in LNG investments could be at risk.
  • Leghari told Reuters, 'With reduction in LNG generation, plants running on locally mined coal will be able to produce more during off-peak hours', supporting Pakistan's shift to domestic power sources; Reynolds said shocks refute reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Insights by Ground AI

13 Articles

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe

Bias Distribution

  • 40% of the sources lean Left, 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Al-Monitor broke the news in Washington, United States on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal