this gas to the market, when distance or natural obstacles make
pipeline transport impossible. Hence the increasing supplies of
LNG, accompanied by the increased flexibility in LNG trade are
adding to the security of gas supply.
Like all natural gases, LNG is cleaner than coal or oil and it
offers an opportunity to diversify energy supplies.
There is a unique advantage on liquefaction as there is a volume
reduction of about 630 times on liquefaction (Shukri, 2004), and
liquid natural gas handling is more like handling
oil. Moreover, the decreasing cost of LNG is making it more
competitive in more markets and, at a time of heightened concern
about political instability, it can also be a more attractive
option than international pipelines that cross multiple borders.
As a result the LNG demand is forecast to grow more quickly than
for gas in general, at about 10% a year over the next 10 years, and in
recent times the use of LNG has gained much acceptance globally.