Gas glut upends global trade flows as buyers find leverage

Tokyo

THE market for liquefied natural gas (LNG) is about to attract more players and more trading as new supply from the US and Australia strengthens buyers' bargaining power.

Historically, LNG has been sold on long-term contracts that guaranteed buyers supply and helped producers finance liquefaction plants at a time when less of the product was shipped. Now, a gas glut is causing LNG importing countries to support renegotiating existing deals that can run 20 years or more while suppliers offer more flexible terms to lock up customers spoiled for choice.