Atlantic Basin LNG has emerged as the primary source of global LNG supply in recent months, helping offset market disruption linked to tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The region’s share of global LNG supply increased from 44% in February to 55% in May 2026, underlining its growing importance to international gas markets. While Atlantic Basin LNG export utilisation has eased from recent highs, this largely reflects normal seasonal maintenance rather than any meaningful deterioration in supply fundamentals.
According to Vortexa, Atlantic Basin utilisation reached 89% in early March before declining to around 80% by the end of May. However, once Russia’s sanctioned export facilities and Egypt’s largely idle capacity are excluded, effective utilisation remained close to 90% in May and was nearly 100% during March.
US LNG export terminals continue to play a central role in supporting Atlantic Basin supply. Several facilities have operated above their nameplate capacity during 2026, although planned maintenance has recently reduced output. Freeport LNG entered scheduled maintenance during May, while Cameron LNG completed annual work on one train. Corpus Christi also experienced a partial outage earlier in the month.
Despite elevated LNG prices and concerns about global supply availability, most US operators appear to be maintaining previously scheduled maintenance programmes rather than delaying work to maximise exports.
Another factor supporting the outlook is the relatively benign hurricane forecast for the 2026 Atlantic season. Current projections suggest a below-normal level of storm activity, reducing the risk of significant disruption to Gulf Coast LNG infrastructure.
Looking ahead, new volumes from projects such as Golden Pass are expected to provide additional supply, although maintenance at facilities in Trinidad and Tobago and Angola will offset part of these gains during the summer months.
As global LNG markets move into the peak cooling season, Atlantic Basin LNG is expected to remain a critical source of supply. Even if conditions in the Middle East improve, the recovery of regional LNG exports is likely to take time, leaving buyers increasingly reliant on Atlantic Basin production through the remainder of 2026.
Source: Florence Yu, Vortexa, Atlantic Basin LNG utilisation dips on seasonal maintenance, June 2026
