Global liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments declined by 6.8% year-on-year in March, representing the steepest fall since July 2020, according to a report released by the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF).

The report noted that total LNG shipments in the final month of the first quarter decreased to 35.8 million tons, The Caspian Post reports, citing Russian media.

The downturn was linked to disruptions stemming from the conflict in the Middle East, which impacted transit through the Strait of Hormuz and caused logistical difficulties for exports from key producers, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Amid these conditions, GECF member states reduced their natural gas supply volumes by roughly one-third, bringing them down to 11.44 million tons. This reduction was partially balanced by increased LNG exports from non-member countries, along with a significant rise in re-exports.

In separate data, U.S. LNG exports continued to show growth. Figures from the U.S. Department of Energy indicated that American LNG exports reached 14 billion cubic meters in February, marking a 21% increase compared to the same period last year. The European Union remained the leading destination, accounting for 72% of total U.S. gas exports during the final month of the winter season.