Asia's Coal Demand to Jump 70 Million Tonnes in 2026 as LNG Shortfall Bites

The Middle East conflict has dealt a lasting blow to Gulf energy infrastructure, causing billions of dollars in damage and catapulting energy security to the top of the global agenda.

Rystad Energy's research shows the fallout is driving a significant near-term surge in Asia-Pacific (APAC) thermal coal demand, with an additional 150 million tonnes (Mt) of cumulative consumption projected through 2030, roughly half of which is expected to land in 2026 alone.

The driver is not a policy reversal but a supply gap, with a liquefied natural gas shortfall…