Global Disruptions Boost Demand for U.S. LNG, Including Bakken Gas

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Qatar's LNG facilities is accelerating long-term U.S. liquefied natural gas supply talks with Asian buyers, according to OilPrice.com. Thailand, Southeast Asia's top LNG importer, is now looking to boost its U.S. gas supply to meet long-term demand. Discussions about long-term U.S. LNG supply to Thailand have accelerated since the Iran war disrupted Qatar’s shipments, sources told Reuters.

These talks are centered on potential long-term deals between Venture Global and Thai energy company PTT. Typically, such deals cover at least 15 years of supply at set annual volumes. Thailand had already committed to buy U.S. energy products, including LNG, crude oil, and ethane, under a reciprocal trade framework agreed in October 2025, with an estimated value of $5.4 billion per year.

For Bakken operators, this represents a strengthening global outlet for natural gas. North Dakota's gas production, often seen as a byproduct of its prolific oil output, faces logistical challenges but benefits from any increased structural demand for U.S. LNG. The crisis has trapped about 20% of daily global LNG flows, with QatarEnergy declaring force majeure on some contracts for up to five years due to extensive damage at its Ras Laffan complex from Iranian strikes.

Separately, geopolitical realignments could further reshape trade corridors. OilPrice.com reported that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a Charter on Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership with Armenia on May 26, alongside a framework agreement concerning the "Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity." This is envisioned as a key cog in the Middle Corridor trade network, part of the Armenian-Azerbaijani provisional peace agreement. While details were sparse, such infrastructure developments aimed at bypassing Russia could create alternative routes for energy and goods, potentially benefiting global market access for U.S. exporters.

Meanwhile, Russia is considering measures that could tighten global refined product markets. Rigzone reported that Russian oil companies were advised to curb sales of oil products to foreign markets following a meeting with the deputy prime minister on the domestic fuel market. Any formal Russian export limits on fuels like diesel or gasoline would reduce global supply, supporting international prices for refined products. This could indirectly benefit Bakken refiners and the economics of North Dakota's crude oil production, which feeds into those global fuel markets.

The confluence of events—a prolonged Middle East supply shock locking in long-term U.S. LNG demand, evolving trade routes, and potential Russian product export curbs—points to a sustained period of elevated demand for secure U.S. energy exports. For the Bakken, this reinforces the importance of infrastructure that can connect its hydrocarbons to these global markets.