LNG feedgas demand averaged about 19 Bcf/d during Summer 2026. This was slightly below expectations, as Golden Pass LNG continued to ramp up at a slower pace than anticipated and Freeport LNG had an unscheduled outage for one train, which lasted about a month. As of September, feedgas demand has begun to recover and push toward 20 Bcf/d again, although the Cove Point maintenance which runs from September 18 to October 13 will weigh on demand. Total US feedgas demand should continue to rise into this winter as more capacity comes online, likely reaching about 22 Bcf/d.
Background on U.S. LNG Exports
Modern LNG exports from the US began in 2016 with the startup of the Sabine Pass LNG terminal. In the following years several more export plants came online, to take advantage of the spread between cheap US gas and higher priced gas in Asia and Europe. The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine resulted in European gas prices climbing to record highs, and subsequently led to a rush of new LNG projects planned for the US. Since then, US feedgas demand has grown to 17 Bcf/d of total capacity, with demand expected to nearly double over the next ten years.
Seasonal Dynamics
LNG flows tend to decline in the summer, while they are stronger in the winter. Plant maintenance is often concentrated around May-July for Gulf Coast facilities, while Cove Point LNG goes down for maintenance for aboiut 30 days every fall. In addition to facility and pipeline maintenance, higher ambient temperatures result in lower plant efficiency. This is especially evident in the Gulf Coast facilities. Once temperatures begin rising above 60-70ºF, flows begin to incrementally decline.
Future of US LNG Exports
Map of US LNG Export Terminals
Relevant News
Planned Commonwealth LNG to be expanded
9/16/2026
Catarus said it plans to add five liquefaction trains to the planned Commonwealth LNG export project being developed in Cameron Parish, LA
This announcement follows the FID of the initial project earlier this year, which consists of six trains
The expansion will enter service in the early 2030s and bring the plants total capacity to 2.3 Bcf/d
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers granted Plaquemines LNG fast tracked permitting under the national energy emergency declared by the Trump administration
THe public comment period has been shortened, and may speed up the development process for the Plaquemines LNG expansion
The project would expand liquefaction capacity by 2.5 Bcf/d
Golden Pass LNG exports third cargo as startup continues
6/26/2026
As startup of the export plant continues, the third cargo has now been shipped
Golden Pass LNG has been taking about 350 MMcf/d over the past few months, but recently ramped up to 600 MMcf/d, out of a total capacity of 790 MMcf/d for Train 1
Trains 2 and 3 are expected to enter service at the end of 2026 and the beginning of 2027, however, a slower than expected startup of Train 1 has cast doubt on the timelines for Trains 2 and 3
Following regulatory approval, the Kinder Morgan operated Elba Island LNG is now authorized to increase exports by 22%
Elba Island is one of the smaller US LNG export terminals, with a capacity of about 400 MMcf/d
The Department of Energy said they are “using all available authorities to ensure American energy can reach global markets when it is needed most, supporting energy security, and helping stabilise global energy supplies.”
Golden Pass LNG plans first cargo in February
11/18/2025
An anonymous source familiar with the matter said that Golden Pass LNG is planning to ship the first cargo in February 2026, supporting prior startup estimates
This comes as a cargo of LNG is currently headed to Golden Pass to be used to cool down plant equipment, as well as a recent FERC approval to introduce fuel gas to Train 1 ahead of startup
Material feedgas volumes could be flowing into the plant in December at the earliest
Venture Global plans additional Plaquemines expansion
11/18/2025
The LNG exporter filed a FERC application for another expansion of Plaquemines LNG
This expansion would increase the plant's total capacity to more than 7 Bcf/d over three construction phases
Venture Global said the plan to expand capacity is due to strong market demand
An in-service date for the project was not stated, but it's likely it would be closer to the end of the decade
