- 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.
South and Central America Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 15.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 11.3% on 2022. The Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports dataset of South and Central America from 2015 to 2023 provides an overview of regional LNG import trends, trade flows, supply dynamics, and the growing role of LNG in supporting energy demand.
South and Central America Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 18.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 15.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−16.4%), an average of −2.2% a year. The series high was 24.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 13.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.
The gap between the series high (2021) and low (2019) is 11.20 Billion Cubic Metres. The sharpest single-year move was +74.8% in 2021.
Within South and Central America, Chile has the highest value in 2023 at 3.60 Billion Cubic Metres, 22.8% of the regional total.
Country ranking
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By region
Billion Cubic Metres, 2023. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Billion Cubic Metres.
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| Year | Billion Cubic Metres | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 15.80 | +11.3% |
| 2022 | 14.20 | −41.6% |
| 2021Peak | 24.30 | +74.8% |
| 2020 | 13.90 | +6.1% |
| 2019 Trough | 13.10 | −9.7% |
| 2018 | 14.50 | +7.4% |
| 2017 | 13.50 | −11.2% |
| 2016 | 15.20 | −19.6% |
| 2015 | 18.90 | — |
Data definition
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.
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.
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.
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.
Measured in billion cubic metres (bcm), the dataset represents annual LNG import volumes and serves as an important indicator for evaluating natural gas supply security, import dependence, and regional energy market developments.
South and Central America LNG imports stood at 18.9 bcm in 2015 before declining to 15.2 bcm in 2016 and 13.5 bcm in 2017 due to changing supply conditions and variations in domestic gas availability. Imports increased slightly to 14.5 bcm in 2018 and declined to 13.1 bcm in 2019. The region recorded 13.9 bcm of LNG imports in 2020, followed by a significant increase to 24.3 bcm in 2021, driven by higher energy demand, reduced domestic gas availability, and increased reliance on imported supplies. Imports decreased to 14.2 bcm in 2022 and recovered moderately to 15.8 bcm in 2023.
Brazil remained the largest LNG importer in the region during several years, with import fluctuations influenced by hydropower availability, domestic natural gas production, and electricity sector requirements. Argentina and Chile also contributed significantly to regional LNG demand, using imported LNG to strengthen energy security and manage seasonal supply requirements.
The dataset highlights the changing dynamics of the South and Central American LNG market, where import levels are influenced by energy consumption patterns, domestic production capabilities, infrastructure availability, and global gas market conditions. It provides valuable insights for market research, investment planning, infrastructure development, and policy analysis. The dataset supports stakeholders in understanding LNG trade patterns, supply diversification strategies, and the future outlook of natural gas markets across South and Central America.
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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.
South and Central America Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports was 15.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023, up 11.3% on 2022.
South and Central America Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Imports moved from 18.90 Billion Cubic Metres in 2015 to 15.80 Billion Cubic Metres in 2023 (−16.4%), an average of −2.2% a year. The series high was 24.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the low 13.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.
The highest value was 24.30 Billion Cubic Metres in 2021 and the lowest was 13.10 Billion Cubic Metres in 2019.
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.
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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