• Asian LNG imports grew 4.8%, with the highest growth rates recorded in China (+15%), and Taiwan (+9.7%). The rapid growth observed in Asian LNG import countries in the first half of the year was mainly explained by competitive LNG unit costs compared to oil-based alternatives in the industry and power sector.
• This dynamic growth contrasted with a declining trend in LNG imports in the last quarter in most Asian countries (except Taiwan), where LNG demand was affected by economic recession, lower industrial consumption and faltering competitiveness of natural gas due to tumbling oil prices.
• With 4.1% growth in LNG demand, Europe displayed different developments among countries.
• Spain posted the strongest increase in LNG imports, confirming its role as the top European LNG importer, accounting for 51% of total imports versus 45% in 2007

Some analysts have indicated that the sector would seem to have an insufficient number of firm LNG projects beyond 2011-2013. If this situation is further worsened by the current economic crisis, this will place an additional strain on the gas sector during the second half of the coming decade, with the resulting increase in prices and a greater risk of an insecure supply. According to Cedigaz, 140 terminals are currently under construction or at the project stage, including the extension of current facilities. This month (the source once again is Cedigaz), thirteen liquefaction plants are in operation, with a total of 88 liquefaction trains. Fifteen plants are under construction or being expanded, which will bring a further 18 liquefaction trains on-line. 42 new liquefaction trains are currently at the project stage.

It would seem that the new technology for floating LNG plants (FLNGs) was finally made ready for use in 2008. This is a new and highly efficient tool for the low-cost development of offshore gas reserves that are a long way out to sea, and it therefore brings gas stocks into the market that would be difficult to exploit at a reasonable cost without this innovation. This could also be an effective tool in reducing the amount of gas burnt off at mixed marine oil and gas fields, something which has been greatly sought after in recent years but has proved difficult to achieve at a reasonable cost.