Global traded LNG volumes rose 5% last year to reach 258 million tonnes, according to a new report from the International Gas Union (IGU).
The 5% rise is sharply up on an average 0.5% growth rate of the previous four years. The report suggests the jump is largely down to a significant increase in new supply, particularly from the US Gulf of Mexico and Australia.
There were also significant increases in demand as low prices, city smogs and floating LNG plants create new markets.
The most pronounced increase in demand came from Asian markets, where the clean fuel helps tackle polluted cities - with China’s LNG consumption for the year increasing dramatically by roughly 35% to 27 million tonnes.
David Carroll, President of the IGU, said: “The increased use of natural gas is hugely beneficial to the environment and subsequently human health across the globe. This year’s World LNG report is extremely promising and LNG maintains an essential role in expanding access to gas across the globe, acting as a key pillar in the future energy mix.”