Stephen Stapczynski

Stephen Stapczynski

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Bloomberg reporter on Asian LNG/energy markets; gas flows, price dynamics

LNG Ships Stalled; None yet Navigating Hormuz
SocialApr 8, 2026

LNG Ships Stalled; None yet Navigating Hormuz

I'm not seeing any LNG ships moving to go through Hormuz yet 🚢🚢 Those two Qatari LNG ships that had aborted an attempt earlier this week are sitting tight (pic below) But of course it is very early days. It will take...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Iran Offers Two‑Week Safe Passage Through Hormuz, Coordination Required
SocialApr 7, 2026

Iran Offers Two‑Week Safe Passage Through Hormuz, Coordination Required

Iran says safe passage via Hormuz is “possible” for two weeks 🚨 … but must be via coordination with Iran's Armed Forces and with due consideration of technical limitations (So far, no loaded LNG tanker has gone through Hormuz in over...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Oil Slumps 12% After Trump‑Iran Ceasefire Opens Hormuz
SocialApr 7, 2026

Oil Slumps 12% After Trump‑Iran Ceasefire Opens Hormuz

Oil prices plummet 12% (and counting) after Trump agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran 🇺🇸 🤝 🇮🇷 The deal is subject to an immediate opening of Hormuz https://t.co/idSwDqTWxx

By Stephen Stapczynski
Pakistan Shuts Shops Early as Qatar LNG Supply Stalls
SocialApr 7, 2026

Pakistan Shuts Shops Early as Qatar LNG Supply Stalls

Pakistan will close shops early in its latest energy-savings measures 🇵🇰⚡ Markets, malls and shops across most of the country will shut by 8pm Pakistan received 99% of its LNG from Qatar last year. Qatar has halted exports for over a month...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Taiwan Boosts Coal Power as Gas Supply Falters
SocialApr 7, 2026

Taiwan Boosts Coal Power as Gas Supply Falters

KING COAL STRIKES AGAIN 🪨🪨🪨 Taiwan will increase coal-fired power generation to bolster energy security, as the war in the Middle East crimps gas supplies The Mailiao coal-fired power plant will ramp up output from its No. 1 and 3 units https://t.co/jXfSAf3HMo

By Stephen Stapczynski
Qatar Aims to Resume LNG Shipments via Hormuz
SocialApr 6, 2026

Qatar Aims to Resume LNG Shipments via Hormuz

Qatar is attempting to send LNG shipments through Hormuz for first time since the Iran war started 🚨🚨 If successful, this would be the first time a loaded LNG tanker has gone through Hormuz in over a month. ~20% of global...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Qatar
SocialApr 6, 2026

Qatar

Dozens of empty Qatari LNG tankers sit idle across Asia 🇶🇦🚢 The world's top LNG export plant in Qatar has been shut for over a month, upending the gas market and leaving the nation's fleet of ships without orders Hormuz has also...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Japan Secures Four Months of Naphtha Supply
SocialApr 5, 2026

Japan Secures Four Months of Naphtha Supply

Japan has secured at least four months of naphtha, Prime Minister Takaichi says 🇯🇵 🛢️ 📌 Two months' worth of imported naphtha already procured 📌 Two months' worth of inventories

By Stephen Stapczynski
ADNOC Underscores Hormuz's Vital Role in Global Energy
SocialApr 4, 2026

ADNOC Underscores Hormuz's Vital Role in Global Energy

Adnoc is buying ads to stress the importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy flows Adnoc can’t export LNG and other fuels to customers in Asia and Europe without going through Hormuz https://t.co/F4fehuRnDr

By Stephen Stapczynski
World’s Largest LNG Export Plant Offline for a Month
SocialApr 3, 2026

World’s Largest LNG Export Plant Offline for a Month

The world’s biggest LNG export plant has been offline for a month 🚢 ⚠️ Let me explain why you should care about that 👇 https://t.co/Ywo3ZK9mac

By Stephen Stapczynski
Iran Launches Drone Strikes Across Gulf, Halting Oil and Gas
SocialApr 3, 2026

Iran Launches Drone Strikes Across Gulf, Halting Oil and Gas

Iran targeted more sites in Arab Gulf states overnight and into Friday ⚠️ 🇰🇼 A drone attack caused a fire at Kuwait’s Mina Al Ahmadi oil refinery 🇦🇪 Abu Dhabi suspended operations at its Habshan gas facilities 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia said it...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Osaka Gas Eyes US Gas Plants to Power AI Boom
SocialApr 3, 2026

Osaka Gas Eyes US Gas Plants to Power AI Boom

Japan’s Osaka Gas is considering to invest in *five* US gas-fired power plants 🇺🇸 ⚡️ This could be a pretty profitable bet. US gas is cheap and the AI boom is slated to boost power demand Gas can provide around-the-clock electricity data...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Europe Gas Rises on Middle East Risks; US Prices Fall
SocialApr 2, 2026

Europe Gas Rises on Middle East Risks; US Prices Fall

European natural gas prices (TTF) are up 6% to about $17/mmbtu on fears that a prolonged disruption in the Middle East will curb supply 🇪🇺 US gas prices (Henry Hub) are down nearly 1% to $2.8/mmbtu as shale production keeps...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Asian Nations Urge Citizens to Cut Energy Use
SocialApr 2, 2026

Asian Nations Urge Citizens to Cut Energy Use

More and more Asian countries are asking its citizens to save energy ⚠️⚠️ 🇰🇷 “I earnestly appeal to all citizens to actively participate in energy-saving movements in daily lives, such as taking public transportation and conserving electricity,” said South Korean President...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Guangdong Boosts Coal, Cuts Gas, Fast‑Tracks Nuclear
SocialApr 2, 2026

Guangdong Boosts Coal, Cuts Gas, Fast‑Tracks Nuclear

China's approach to energy security 🇨🇳👇 The southern industrial hub of Guangdong has asked local power producers to rebuild coal stockpiles, curb the use of gas and accelerate the addition of nuclear generation https://t.co/X8azocoeZW

By Stephen Stapczynski
Trump Predicts Hormuz Opening as Brent Spikes 2%
SocialApr 2, 2026

Trump Predicts Hormuz Opening as Brent Spikes 2%

Trump says the Strait of Hormuz will "open up naturally" Brent oil prices rise nearly 2% (a session high for the day) https://t.co/7fvQPaw1Bv

By Stephen Stapczynski
Trump Attributes Gas Price Surge to Iranian Attacks
SocialApr 2, 2026

Trump Attributes Gas Price Surge to Iranian Attacks

TRUMP: "Many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home. This short term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Japan Incentivizes Private Firms to Fund Overseas LNG
SocialApr 1, 2026

Japan Incentivizes Private Firms to Fund Overseas LNG

Japan is trying to encourage its private companies to invest more in overseas LNG supply 🇯🇵❤️🚢 The government launched a new scheme that will offer faster return on investment for LNG projects via state-backed JOGMEC. A key criteria is that the LNG...

By Stephen Stapczynski
PM Urges Australians to Curb Fuel, Use Public Transport
SocialApr 1, 2026

PM Urges Australians to Curb Fuel, Use Public Transport

Australia’s prime minister just used a rare national address to urge the nation to use less fuel 🇦🇺 ⚠️ “Over coming weeks, if you can switch to catching the train or bus or tram to work, do so… The months...

By Stephen Stapczynski
India's Coal Output Dips, Stockpiles Ready for Surge
SocialApr 1, 2026

India's Coal Output Dips, Stockpiles Ready for Surge

India's top coal producer said output fell in March, but that it still has enough stockpiles to meet higher demand 🇮🇳⚠️ Coal consumption in India is now on an upward trajectory on expectations of a hot summer and gas shortages due...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Vietnam LNG Project Pivots to Renewables Amid Price Surge
SocialMar 31, 2026

Vietnam LNG Project Pivots to Renewables Amid Price Surge

LNG DEMAND DESTRUCTION ALERT 🇻🇳🚨 A proposed Vietnam LNG power project is asking the government to switch to a renewables+battery plant, citing surging fuel prices linked to the Middle East conflict Vietnam was expected to be a high-growth LNG importer https://t.co/ac6gBNmCDr

By Stephen Stapczynski
Singapore Braces for Higher Power Bills Amid LNG Shortage
SocialMar 31, 2026

Singapore Braces for Higher Power Bills Amid LNG Shortage

Singapore warns of higher power bills for months due to the Middle East conflict 🇸🇬📈 The country was getting half of its LNG from Qatar (which is now shut) "Everyone can play a part by using more energy-efficient appliances and conserving...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Asia's Coal Prices Surge as Gas Supply Tightens
SocialMar 31, 2026

Asia's Coal Prices Surge as Gas Supply Tightens

Asia's coal benchmark is at a 17-month high as Middle East conflict chokes gas supplies 🪨⚠️ Australian Newcastle coal futures for April hit $144.25/ton on Monday (the March contract expired Friday at $135.60) Asian countries are expanding use of coal to cut...

By Stephen Stapczynski
US LNG Plant Launches Amid Middle East Supply Crunch
SocialMar 30, 2026

US LNG Plant Launches Amid Middle East Supply Crunch

New US LNG export project begins operations 🇺🇸🚢 The Golden Pass plant (a JV with Qatar & Exxon) just started LNG production at 1 of its 3 trains. First export expected from 2Q The world is scrambling for more US LNG as...

By Stephen Stapczynski
LNG Shortage Threatens Coal Decline, Nations Reopen Plants
SocialMar 30, 2026

LNG Shortage Threatens Coal Decline, Nations Reopen Plants

The LNG supply crunch puts at risk forecasts that coal consumption will begin to fall this decade 🇩🇪 Germany is considering restarting mothballed coal-fired plants 🇯🇵 Japan will expand use of less efficient coal plants 🇰🇷 Korea may exit its own...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Historic Oil Supply Shock Marks One Month, Crisis Looms
SocialMar 30, 2026

Historic Oil Supply Shock Marks One Month, Crisis Looms

The biggest oil supply shock in history has reached the one-month mark And the energy industry is warning that the crisis is only beginning 👇⚠️ https://t.co/AZ661hxNtt https://t.co/HF3YvOdLZx

By Stephen Stapczynski
Japan Redirects Naphtha Imports Amid Middle East Reliance
SocialMar 29, 2026

Japan Redirects Naphtha Imports Amid Middle East Reliance

Japan is switching naphtha imports from the Middle East to other countries, says Prime Minister Takaichi 🇯🇵 ⛽️ Japan relies on the Mid East for >70% of naphtha imports, and has 20 days of stockpiles Shortages threaten supply of petrochemicals, plastics,...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Quarter of Global LNG Supply Offline After Attacks, Cyclone
SocialMar 28, 2026

Quarter of Global LNG Supply Offline After Attacks, Cyclone

And just like that, a quarter of global LNG supply is offline 🚢 ⚠️ Hormuz/Iran attacks have disrupted deliveries from Qatar and UAE Cyclone temporarily knocks out plants in Western Australia (Nice graphic from IEA’s Greg Molnar) https://t.co/ymJmTrTZGx

By Stephen Stapczynski
Qatar's Largest LNG Plant Offline, Losing 1.5 Mt Weekly
SocialMar 28, 2026

Qatar's Largest LNG Plant Offline, Losing 1.5 Mt Weekly

Reminder that the world’s biggest LNG plant in Qatar — which is currently offline — has no alternative route to get the gas to market It is stuck. And every week it’s offline, the world loses 1.5 million tons of LNG

By Stephen Stapczynski
US LNG in High Demand After Qatar Plant Shutdown
SocialMar 28, 2026

US LNG in High Demand After Qatar Plant Shutdown

Many such cases 🇺🇸 🚢 Asian and European LNG buyers are chasing the limited number of shipments still available from US suppliers after the world’s largest export plant in Qatar was shut Importers from Japan and Germany are among those in...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Tokyo's New Reactor Cuts 1.1 M Tons LNG
SocialMar 28, 2026

Tokyo's New Reactor Cuts 1.1 M Tons LNG

Tokyo is able to turn to nuclear power to help reduce dependence on LNG 🇯🇵 ☢️ The No 6 reactor at Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant just reached full power for the first time in over a decade That will replace...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Europe Urges Early Gas Refill, Traders Stay on Sidelines
SocialMar 27, 2026

Europe Urges Early Gas Refill, Traders Stay on Sidelines

European governments are keen for traders to make an early start refilling severely depleted storage tanks But the gap between summer and winter gas prices is telling them to wait. For now, traders say they are largely staying on the sidelines...

By Stephen Stapczynski
IEA Urges EU to Decouple Gas From Electricity Pricing
SocialMar 27, 2026

IEA Urges EU to Decouple Gas From Electricity Pricing

The EU should sever the link between gas and electricity costs to limit the fallout from the Iran war, the IEA has suggested 🇪🇺⚠️ In the European marginal pricing system, gas is the fuel that effectively sets the power price https://t.co/rvKWzsWwey

By Stephen Stapczynski
China Slashes LNG Imports, Pivots to Domestic Gas
SocialMar 27, 2026

China Slashes LNG Imports, Pivots to Domestic Gas

China is cutting LNG purchases as the Middle East conflict boosts prices 🇨🇳🚢 📉 March imports are poised to fall to lowest level in 8 years ⚠️ Instead of LNG, China is turning to domestic/pipeline gas. This will help free up supply...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Cyclone Cuts Australian LNG Output, Hits Global Supply
SocialMar 27, 2026

Cyclone Cuts Australian LNG Output, Hits Global Supply

Another blow to the global LNG market 🚢🚨 🇦🇺 Three Australian LNG export plants (which provide ~8% of the world’s supply) have had output curbed by a cyclone ⚠️ Some offshore gas platforms were knocked offline by the big storm https://t.co/pnn7NiguUr

By Stephen Stapczynski
Taiwan Spends $600M Extra as LNG Prices Double
SocialMar 26, 2026

Taiwan Spends $600M Extra as LNG Prices Double

Taiwan spent an extra $600 million to secure LNG through June to replace lost Qatari supply 🇹🇼 💰 Taiwan’s Economic Minister said spot LNG prices are “about twice as high as long-term contract prices with Qatar” The island depends more on gas...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Asia Braces for Looming Energy Crisis Across Multiple Nations
SocialMar 26, 2026

Asia Braces for Looming Energy Crisis Across Multiple Nations

Asia are preparing for worst-case energy scenarios 🚨 🇰🇷 South Korea set up an emergency economic task force 🇮🇳 Modi warned India faced unprecedented challenges 🇵🇭 The Philippines said there is “imminent danger of a critically low energy supply” https://t.co/bCF6njaYxh

By Stephen Stapczynski
Qatar's Largest LNG Plant Faces 2‑4 Year Restart Delay
SocialMar 25, 2026

Qatar's Largest LNG Plant Faces 2‑4 Year Restart Delay

The world's biggest LNG plant in Qatar wont be able to quickly restart even after the Iran war ends🇶🇦⚠️ Two of the plant's trains were damaged, and need new gas turbines to power LNG refrigeration compressors. Delivery will take 2-4 years...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Dutch Gas Stocks Plunge to 6.1% Amid LNG Shortfall
SocialMar 25, 2026

Dutch Gas Stocks Plunge to 6.1% Amid LNG Shortfall

Dutch gas inventories fall to **6.1%** full 🇳🇱 ⚠️ This is a seasonal low, and comes as the global LNG market is facing a shortfall due to the conflict in the Middle East https://t.co/OeUgHLyuUf

By Stephen Stapczynski
Thailand May Hike Power Rates 18% Amid Middle East Conflict
SocialMar 25, 2026

Thailand May Hike Power Rates 18% Amid Middle East Conflict

Thailand is hiking power prices due to the conflict in the Middle East 🇹🇭 ⚠️ Power rates may be increased by as much as 18% for the May-Aug. billing period due to higher fuel costs Other gas importers are...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Asia Cuts LNG Imports to Free Gas for Europe
SocialMar 25, 2026

Asia Cuts LNG Imports to Free Gas for Europe

This is why there is so much focus on gas demand destruction 👇 Importers (particularly those in emerging Asia) will need to take less LNG to free-up more for Europe and other richer nations the longer Hormuz/Qatar is shut

By Stephen Stapczynski
Europe Braces for Iran War Fuel Shortages
SocialMar 25, 2026

Europe Braces for Iran War Fuel Shortages

Europe will soon face the same kind of fuel supply disruptions as Asia due to the war in Iran, says Shell’s CEO 🇪🇺 ⚠️ “If you look through the slate, jet fuel is already being impacted. Diesel will be next...

By Stephen Stapczynski
California's Energy Crisis Looms as Iran Blocks Oil Routes
SocialMar 24, 2026

California's Energy Crisis Looms as Iran Blocks Oil Routes

California is careening toward an energy crisis because it depends on refined out imports, says Chevron 🇺🇸 ⚠️ Now shipments from China, South Korea, Singapore and elsewhere are at risk of slowing significantly as Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz https://t.co/KXe3T6k8Dw

By Stephen Stapczynski
Germany Seeks Global Gas Suppliers Beyond the US
SocialMar 24, 2026

Germany Seeks Global Gas Suppliers Beyond the US

German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche is pushing gas companies to diversify beyond the US 🇩🇪 🚢 Reiche said Germany is also pursuing agreements with Angola, Mexico, Canada and other suppliers worldwide https://t.co/YsSeBtLmvB https://t.co/RPngivFPz4

By Stephen Stapczynski
Middle East Conflict Drives Global LNG Exports to Six‑month Low
SocialMar 23, 2026

Middle East Conflict Drives Global LNG Exports to Six‑month Low

Global LNG exports drop to the lowest level in six months due to Middle East conflict ⚠️ 🚢 This basically erases supply additions from the US and elsewhere during that period The drop is primarily from Qatar — and to a...

By Stephen Stapczynski
European Gas Dips 9% After Trump Pauses Iran Strikes
SocialMar 23, 2026

European Gas Dips 9% After Trump Pauses Iran Strikes

European natural gas prices drop as much as 9% after Trump said he instructed US forces to postpone all strikes against Iranian infrastructure for 5 days 🇪🇺 ⚠️ Prices still well above pre-war levels And there’s been no direct/indirect contact...

By Stephen Stapczynski
Qatar Outage Boosts Russia's LNG Sales to Vietnam
SocialMar 23, 2026

Qatar Outage Boosts Russia's LNG Sales to Vietnam

The outage at the world’s biggest LNG export plant in Qatar is apparently benefiting Russia 🇷🇺 ⚠️ Russia’s largest LNG producer Novatek has signed a preliminary deal to supply Vietnam, Tass reported citing CEO Mikhelson (Vietnam is struggling to buy LNG...

By Stephen Stapczynski
ADNOC Cuts LNG Output as Hormuz Closure Tightens Gas Market
SocialMar 23, 2026

ADNOC Cuts LNG Output as Hormuz Closure Tightens Gas Market

Adnoc is now reducing LNG production because Strait of Hormuz is shut, tightening the global gas market 🇦🇪 ⚠️ Adnoc has “made temporary operational adjustments to production of Liquefied Natural Gas” They’re working with customers to fulfill commitments “wherever possible” https://t.co/dLBNlgiLER

By Stephen Stapczynski
Trump Threatens Iran Power Plants over Hormuz Closure
SocialMar 22, 2026

Trump Threatens Iran Power Plants over Hormuz Closure

President Trump threatened to attack Iran’s power plants if the country didn’t swiftly open the Strait of Hormuz to commercial ship traffic (The remarks mark a shift in tone since Trump on Friday said the US was considering “winding down” military...

By Stephen Stapczynski