Venture Global LNG fees surge 69% amid Iran war disruptions

U.S. LNG exporter Venture Global reported that its average liquefaction fee rose 69% in the second quarter, reaching $6.45 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) from $3.82 in the first quarter. The increase reflects higher global LNG prices after the Iran war disrupted supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and damaged Qatar’s liquefaction facilities.

Venture Global sold 466.4 trillion British thermal units (TBtu) of LNG in the quarter, slightly down from 480.8 TBtu a quarter earlier. Export volumes were 37 cargoes from the Calcasieu Pass plant and 90 cargoes from Plaquemines, each a small decline from the previous period. The higher fees, a key earnings component for U.S. LNG plants, were driven by a blend of spot‑market sales at elevated prices and short‑term contracts.

The same Middle‑East turmoil also pushed European gas prices above €50 per megawatt‑hour after Qatar paused production at its flagship LNG facility following an attack on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn the supply squeeze could keep European markets under pressure throughout the winter.