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Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports

- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year.

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) ImportsBillion Cubic Metres · 2015–2023

4.543.532015: 3.702016: 4.50Peak2017: 4.402018: 4.302019: 3.30Trough2020: 3.702021: 4.50Peak2022: 3.30Trough2023: 3.6020152017201920212023
Source: energyinst.orgLast updated: July 2026

What Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports shows

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 3.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 9.1% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of Chile from 2015 to 2023 provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s LNG import patterns, highlighting import trends, supply developments, and changes across the natural gas sector. Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents the total annual volume of LNG imported into Chile.

Trend

Lower over the period

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 3.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 3.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−2.7%), an average of −0.3% a year. The series high was 4.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 3.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.

Volatility

A 26.7% peak-to-trough swing

The gap between the series high (2016) and low (2019) is 1.20 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was −26.7% in 2022.

Structure

Ranks 15 of 22 countries covered

Among the 22 countries in this dataset, Chile ranks 15 for 2023, behind China (97.80 Billion Cubic Metres) and Japan (90.30 Billion Cubic Metres). It accounts for 0.7% of the global total in 2023.

Full series

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by year

Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.

Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports, 2015–2023, Billion Cubic Metres.
YearBillion Cubic MetresChange vs prior year
2023 3.60 +9.1%
2022 3.30 −26.7%
2021 4.50 +21.6%
2020 3.70 +12.1%
2019 Trough3.30 −23.3%
2018 4.30 −2.3%
2017 4.40 −2.2%
2016Peak 4.50 +21.6%
2015 3.70 —

Regional context

How Chile compares in South and Central America

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports by country, 2023, Billion Cubic Metres. Chile is highlighted.

1Chile
3.60
2Argentina
2.70
3Brazil
1.30

Data definition

Inclusions and exclusions

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.

Inclusions

The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time.

Exclusions

The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.

About this indicator

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports — - Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.

It serves as an important indicator of electricity generation demand, industrial gas consumption, energy security, and the contribution of LNG to Chile’s diversified energy system.

Chile imported 3.7 bcm of LNG in 2015, increasing to 4.5 bcm in 2016 before easing slightly to 4.4 bcm in 2017 and 4.3 bcm in 2018. Imports declined to 3.3 bcm in 2019 before recovering to 3.7 bcm in 2020 and 4.5 bcm in 2021. Import volumes decreased to 3.3 bcm in 2022 before increasing moderately to 3.6 bcm in 2023.

Overall, the dataset indicates relatively stable LNG import volumes with moderate fluctuations throughout the review period. Import trends reflected changing electricity generation requirements, industrial demand, hydropower availability, and broader energy market conditions. The recovery in 2021 highlighted stronger energy demand, while subsequent adjustments reflected evolving fuel requirements and optimization of the country's natural gas procurement strategies.

The dataset is valuable for evaluating Chile’s LNG import outlook, analyzing supply dynamics, and assessing future energy requirements. It supports market research, infrastructure planning, investment evaluation, and policy development while providing insights for researchers, industry stakeholders, analysts, and policymakers monitoring energy security, LNG trade trends, supply diversification, and the evolving role of imported natural gas in Chile’s energy landscape.

Indicator
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports
Country
Chile
Region
South and Central America
Unit
Billion Cubic Metres
Coverage
2015–2023, annual
Category
Energy & Power
Last updated
July 2026
Source
energyinst.org

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Frequently asked questions

What is Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports?

Definition- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports refer to the total volume of liquefied natural gas received by a country from international suppliers during a given year. LNG is natural gas that has been cooled to approximately −162°C, converting it into a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and long-distance transportation by specialized LNG carriers. The indicator is typically measured in billion cubic meters (bcm) after regasification or in equivalent LNG volumes and represents the amount of imported LNG entering a country's energy supply. LNG Imports are a key indicator of natural gas trade, energy security, import dependency, and the diversification of natural gas supply sources.

What was Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports in 2023?

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 3.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 9.1% on 2022.

How has Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports changed between 2015 and 2023?

Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 3.70 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 3.60 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−2.7%), an average of −0.3% a year. The series high was 4.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the low 3.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.

Which year had the highest and lowest Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports?

The highest value was 4.50 Billion Cubic Metres in 2016 and the lowest was 3.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.

What does the Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports data include and exclude?

Included: The data includes all internationally traded LNG cargoes imported through LNG receiving terminals and regasification facilities for domestic consumption, storage, or onward distribution. It covers LNG imported under long-term contracts, spot market purchases, and short-term agreements from exporting countries. The indicator includes LNG received for use across electricity generation, industrial processes, residential and commercial applications, and other natural gas-consuming sectors after regasification. Imports are recorded regardless of the country of origin and are compiled using standardized international trade statistics, customs data, port records, and national energy reporting methodologies, enabling consistent comparison of LNG import volumes across countries and over time. Excluded: The data excludes domestically produced natural gas, pipeline natural gas imports and exports, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas liquids (NGLs), compressed natural gas (CNG), and other gaseous fuels that are not imported as LNG. It also excludes LNG exports, LNG bunkering for marine fuel where reported separately, transit shipments that do not enter domestic supply, and inventory changes unless specifically incorporated into national energy balances. The indicator does not measure LNG consumption, regasification capacity, storage capacity, terminal utilization rates, or the economic value of LNG imports. Minor variations may occur due to differences in national reporting practices, customs classifications, conversion factors, and statistical estimation methodologies across countries.

Where does the Chile Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports data come from?

The series is sourced from energyinst.org (https://www.energyinst.org/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1542714/684_EI_Stat_Review_V16_DIGITAL.pdf). It covers 2015–2023 and is reported in Billion Cubic Metres.

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