Middle East Crisis Accelerates U.S.-Thailand LNG Supply Talks

The sudden halt of liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows from the Middle East has prompted Asian buyers to seek long-term solutions to secure supply from sources not needing the blocked Strait of Hormuz. As Qatar’s LNG shipments are under force majeure until at least mid-August and full LNG export capacity may not be restored for another five years, LNG customers are looking to sign long-term supply deals with exporters outside of conflict areas. Thailand, the top LNG importer in Southeast Asia, is