LNG A Key Element In Economic And Social Development

Doha: The 21st International Conference and Exhibition on Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG 2026) highlighted the growing role of LNG in supporting economic development and ensuring global energy security, as a key element in economic growth and poverty reduction, particularly in emerging markets.

During a session titled“LNG's Role in Meeting Growing Energy Demand and Supporting Economic Development,” energy company officials tackled the future role of gas not only as a fuel source but also as an integrated system that contributes to stimulating industrial development, providing electricity, creating jobs, and supporting a balanced and realistic energy transition.

Speakers at the session emphasised that the use and expansion of LNG depend primarily on developing infrastructure and supply chains to ensure that gas reaches end consumers reliably, financially, and at affordable prices, while acknowledging the significant challenge of insufficient investment in downstream infrastructure.

The panel discussion focused on the contribution of LNG to socio-economic development and its role in supporting the electricity, petrochemical, and heavy industries sectors.

In this context, President and CEO of Excelerate Energy Steven Kobos stated that opening new markets for LNG requires a comprehensive suite of solutions, ranging from storage and regasification units.

Managing Director and CEO of Santos Kevin Gallagher pointed out that LNG projects near Asian markets play a strategic role in meeting this demand and supporting regional energy security.

For his part, President and CEO of Sasol in South Africa Simon Baloyi called for viewing LNG as an integrated system, not merely as fuel molecules, citing the experiences of South Africa and Mozambique, which have demonstrated that investment in gas has unleashed a wide range of industrial activities and electricity generation, thus achieving socio-economic development.

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