Southeast Asian markets are emerging in analyses as a potential focal point for Russia’s liquefied natural gas exports, a view echoed in a Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology study cited by RIA News. The research outlines a scenario where LNG trade to this region expands, reinforcing the idea that new demand centers could shape long term supply routes and pricing dynamics.
Analysts project that LNG imports into Southeast Asia could rise by roughly 90 billion cubic meters by the year 2040. Yet the prospect of Indonesia and Malaysia becoming major LNG buyers remains uncertain, largely because of the considerable geographical distance separating them from Russia and the political and logistical complexities involved in large scale reorientation of import portfolios.
Within this outlook, the Vietnam and Philippines markets appear especially promising. The study estimates that by 2030 Vietnam could be importing more than 5 million tons of LNG annually, while the Philippines could reach import levels above 2 to 3 million tons per year. This shift would reflect evolving energy demand, industrial growth, and regional energy security considerations. (Citation: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, as reported by RIA News.)
Observers highlight the growing cooperation between Russia and Vietnam in the oil and gas sector. In particular, Gazprom EP has already taken stakes in projects that include the construction of gas turbine power plants in central Vietnam, illustrating a broader strategy to integrate Russian LNG into the Vietnamese energy mix alongside domestic gas resources and project-backed infrastructure. (Attribution: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology study.)
A further attractive market cited in the analysis is Singapore. LNG imports could rise to about 3.8 million tons per year by 2025 and reach roughly 9 million tons per year by 2030, reflecting Singapore’s role as a regional trading and re-export hub. Russia has prior experience supplying gas to Singapore through the trader GM&T, underscoring the region’s potential as a logistical and commercial link between suppliers and buyers across Southeast Asia. (Source attribution: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology.)
The broader regional landscape shows a shift in energy logistics and consumption patterns, with Southeast Asia expanding its LNG footprint against a backdrop of evolving climate policy, power generation needs, and investment in infrastructure. This context supports a view that Southeast Asia could become a strategic node in Russia’s LNG export strategy, complementing existing routes to Europe and other markets while offering diversification in supply and pricing dynamics for buyers in the Asia-Pacific region. (Citation: Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology study.)
In summary, the anticipated growth in Southeast Asian LNG demand by the mid to late 2020s through the 2040 horizon aligns with ongoing collaborations, capital expenditure in gas-fired power generation, and the formation of new market access points. The direction of LNG trade flows will likely hinge on project timelines, regional energy policies, shipping economics, and the ability of Russian gas suppliers to secure stable, long-term contracts with emerging Southeast Asian customers while continuing to fulfill established markets. (Evidence drawn from the Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology report.)