Energy Transfer LP has pushed back its targeted final investment decision for the proposed Lake Charles liquefied natural gas export project in Louisiana from later this year to the first quarter of 2026, according to people familiar with the matter.
The company cited rising costs and the need for more time to finalize contracts as reasons for the delay, according to the people, who asked not to be identified because discussions about the timeline were private. The pipeline operator has planned for several years to expand the existing LNG import terminal in Lake Charles into an export plant.
Energy Transfer did not respond to requests for comment by phone and email.
U.S. LNG developers are rushing to secure financing and start construction on projects ahead of the next global supply wave, before Bloomberg forecasts a glut will emerge by 2027. Qatar is thriving with its years-long LNG buildout and massive pipeline expansion by 2031.
Earlier this month, Bloomberg News reported that Energy Transfer was nearing a deal to sell LNG from Lake Charles to Madosine Energy, a subsidiary of investment firm EIG Global Energy Partners.
Chevron Corp., China’s N Energy Holdings Ltd. and South Korea’s SK Gas Trading LLC are among the companies that have signed long-term deals to buy LNG from Lake Charles. The total capacity of the Louisiana project will be 16.5 million metric tons per year.
Image: Energy Transfer LP Rebel Gas Plant in Stanton, Texas. (via Bloomberg)
Copyright 2025 Bloomberg.
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