The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is entering a period of significant expansion, and this trend looks set to continue through 2030. As new liquefaction plants come online and capacity increases by an average of 31 million metric tons per year, the market is poised for robust growth. This surge in supply is expected to create a buyer’s market, driving prices lower and expanding LNG’s appeal in countries where coal has traditionally been cheaper for power generation. Major economies such as India are particularly likely to benefit from this shift.
For investors, this opens up an attractive opportunity to capitalize on the expansion of the LNG market. As capacity increases, companies in this space are set to reap the rewards, particularly those with a solid infrastructure and strategic positioning in key LNG regions. Below are three stocks that stand out as top picks to ride the LNG boom.
Chart Industries (GTLS) – “Boosting Global LNG Capacity”
Chart Industries (NYSE: GTLS) is a critical player in the global LNG supply chain, with 32 projects worth $9.2 billion already secured to increase LNG capacity. These projects position the company as a leader in the infrastructure expansion that will drive the next phase of LNG market growth. As new liquefaction plants ramp up from 2026 to 2028, Chart Industries stands to benefit from its strong global presence.
Analysts have placed a median price target of $190 on GTLS, representing a 71% upside from current levels. This reflects confidence in the company’s ability to execute on its pipeline of projects and capitalize on the increasing demand for LNG infrastructure. With global LNG capacity expected to exceed 600 million metric tons by 2030, Chart Industries is well-positioned for sustained growth in the sector.
ConocoPhillips (COP) – “Strategically Positioned for LNG Growth”
ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) is another strong contender in the LNG market, with significant stakes in major LNG facilities in Australia and Qatar—two of the world’s largest LNG exporters. The company is not only positioned for modest production growth but also benefits from one of the lowest break-even levels in the industry. Recently, ConocoPhillips secured a long-term LNG sales agreement in Asia and a re-gasification contract with a terminal in Belgium, further strengthening its global footprint.
Among 23 analysts covering the stock 73% rate it a ‘Buy.’ A median price target of $142 for ConocoPhillips, implies a 29.5% upside from current levels. The company’s ability to deliver consistent returns, combined with its strategic investments in LNG infrastructure, makes it a solid pick for investors looking to gain exposure to the growing LNG market.
Shell (SHEL) – “The Leading Global LNG Producer”
Shell (NYSE: SHEL) remains the world’s leading producer of LNG and plans to add 11 million metric tons of annual capacity by the end of the decade. While Shell has faced some challenges, including trading at a discount relative to its U.S. peers due to weaker financial performance and uncertainty around its energy transition strategy, its dominant position in the LNG space remains a key strength.
The median analyst price target of $85 for Shell suggests a 23% upside. Shell’s leadership in the LNG market, combined with a clear pathway for capacity growth, positions it as a compelling long-term play in the LNG sector.
As the global LNG market continues to expand, these companies are well-positioned to benefit from the increasing demand and capacity growth. Whether through infrastructure projects, strategic global partnerships, or leadership in production, each of these stocks offers unique exposure to the booming LNG market.
