Cyclone Disrupts Australian LNG Plants as Global Supply Pressures Mount

A powerful tropical cyclone off the coast of Western Australia has disrupted operations at two of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, adding fresh strain to already tight global energy markets.

Energy major Chevron confirmed that production outages occurred at its Gorgon and Wheatstone gas plants on Thursday as Tropical Cyclone Narelle approached the region. The two facilities together account for nearly five percent of global LNG supply, making the disruption significant for international markets.

Chevron stated that restoration efforts are underway but emphasized that operations will fully resume only when it is safe to do so. The precautionary shutdown highlights the growing impact of extreme weather events on critical energy infrastructure.

The disruption comes at a time when global energy markets are already under pressure due to escalating tensions in the Middle East. Supply concerns have intensified as LNG shipments face uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy transport.

Qatar, one of the world’s leading LNG exporters, has also reported declining shipments as tankers avoid the region amid security risks. As a result, LNG prices in parts of Asia—heavily reliant on imports—have surged sharply in recent days.

Western Australia remains a critical hub for global LNG exports, with Chevron and Woodside Energy together contributing over 15 percent of international supply. Any prolonged disruption in the region could further tighten markets and sustain upward pressure on prices.