Asia ditches LNG for coal after Iran war sends prices soaring

South China Morning PostCenter-RightEN 1 min read 100% complete by ReutersMarch 17, 2026 at 11:44 AM

AI Summary

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Asian utilities are increasing coal-fired power generation to reduce costs and ensure energy supply amid rising LNG prices due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. The conflict has halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and reduced Qatar's LNG shipments, leading to a surge in Asia spot LNG prices to three-year highs. In response, Bangladesh plans to boost coal power generation and imports in March. Pakistan aims to further increase domestic power generation from solar and coal sources after avoiding similar supply issues following Russia's 2022 Ukraine invasion. The Philippines is ramping up coal-fired power and slashing LNG-fired output, while Vietnam's EVN negotiates coal supply and Thailand boosts its largest coal plant's generation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Vietnam 50% Thailand 50% Bangladesh 60% Qatar 60% Philippines 60% Awais Leghari ×270% United States 70% Liquefied Natural Gas ×470% Pakistan 70% Israel 70% Iran 80% Asia ×290%

Keywords

coal-fired power generation 90% lng prices 80% lng demand 70% coal supply 70% asia 60% energy supply 60% strait of hormuz 50% power outages 40% qatar 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Negative

Score: -0.40

Source Transparency

Source

South China Morning Post

Political Lean

Center-Right (0.50)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Asia

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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coal-fired power generation lng prices lng demand coal supply asia energy supply strait of hormuz power outages qatar

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