The United States exported a record volume of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in March 2026 amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, signaling its growing role in global energy security.
According to the monthly report from the US Department of Energy, reported by the Operative Information Center-OMM, the US exported a total of 573.5 billion cubic feet (16.2 billion cubic meters) of LNG in March. This represents a 16 percent increase compared to February and a 25 percent rise year-on-year.
The report notes that the record-breaking performance was driven by the expansion of Venture Global's Plaquemines facility in Louisiana, as well as increased shipments from the Sabine Pass and Corpus Christi terminals. A total of 188 LNG tankers were dispatched during the month to meet rising global demand.
Europe remains the primary destination for US LNG, accounting for approximately 62 percent of total exports. The top importers included France, the Netherlands, Egypt, Spain, and Italy, which collectively received 48.4 percent of the total US supply. Meanwhile, shipments to Asia saw a significant surge, with its share rising from 14.5 percent in February to 24.4 percent in March. Industry experts attribute this shift to the ongoing Middle East crisis and reduced LNG shipments from Qatar and the UAE, which have prompted Asian buyers to secure alternative supplies. The remaining volumes were delivered to Latin America and Africa.
