Norway's DNB Bank Predicts Balanced LNG Market by 2026 Despite Qatar Project Delay

Norway's DNB Bank has stated that the global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is expected to remain relatively balanced by 2026, even if Qatar delays the launch of its major LNG project. According to Jin10, sources indicate that Qatar Energy is postponing the start-up of its North Field East LNG expansion project to the end of the year. DNB analysts suggest that this delay will reduce expectations for capacity growth. They noted, "In our view, this is not severe. However, due to low natural gas inventory levels and increased summer gas injection demand, we anticipate the LNG market will be relatively balanced by 2026."