US LNG firms set for record profits amid Iran conflict
EnergyFlux data shows that profits from a single LNG cargo shipped from the United States to Europe have doubled from around $25 million last week to more than $50 million as of 2 March.
US liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies are projected to earn more than $1 billion per week in additional profits as global energy prices surge amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, according to new data from energy research firm EnergyFlux.
The crisis escalated after a US–Israel coalition launched strikes in Iran on 28 February, destabilising global energy markets. The situation intensified when Qatar shut down its Ras Laffan LNG facility, which accounts for about 20% of global LNG supply, triggering a worldwide supply shortage.
EnergyFlux data shows that profits from a single LNG cargo shipped from the United States to Europe have doubled from around $25 million last week to more than $50 million as of 2 March.
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Analysts estimate that if the Ras Laffan plant remains closed for a month, US LNG exporters could earn up to $4 billion in extra profits. If disruptions continue through the summer, the figure could rise to around $20 billion per month.
Shares of major US LNG exporters have already surged. Venture Global and Cheniere Energy saw their share prices rise by about 23% and 11%, respectively, following the market shift. Venture Global has also been reported to have close ties to former US President Donald Trump.
The increase in LNG profits comes alongside a broader spike in energy prices. Since the conflict escalated, Brent crude oil prices have risen about 14%, European natural gas prices have jumped 75%, and Asian LNG spot prices have climbed roughly 47%.
With Middle Eastern supply disrupted, Europe and Asia are increasingly turning to alternative suppliers, particularly the United States. Rapid expansion of liquefaction facilities over the past decade has made the US the world's largest LNG exporter, accounting for around 25% of global exports in 2025.
Europe remains the primary destination for US LNG, especially after the region reduced reliance on Russian pipeline gas following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Countries such as Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have expanded or are expected to increase imports from the United States.
Asian countries including China, Japan, South Korea, Bangladesh and India may also increase LNG imports from the US if the Iran crisis continues, as many of them depend heavily on LNG for electricity generation and industrial use.
Energy experts say the situation highlights how LNG has become both a commercial commodity and a geopolitical tool, while also underscoring the importance of diversifying energy sources and accelerating the shift toward renewable energy.
