LNG supply risks mount as Eni boosts buyback and profits miss - 24 April 2026

As of April 24, today’s news features again developments in the energy sector, particularly focused on LNG, in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting supply chains and market forecasts. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports that the ongoing conflict could lead to the loss of approximately 120 billion cubic meters of cumulative LNG supply between 2026 and 2030, constituting about 15% of expected global supply. This reduction is attributed to short-term disruptions and a slowdown in capacity growth, with severe impacts anticipated this year and the next. Notably, supply growth halted in March when the Strait of Hormuz was closed, cutting combined LNG production from Qatar and the UAE by around 10 billion cubic meters for that month. The IEA also highlighted that damage to Qatar's LNG facilities could further diminish output by nearly 70 billion cubic meters by 2030. The market dynamics continue to shift as Eni nearly doubles its share buyback to 2.8 billion euros, citing optimism for long-term stability in oil and gas prices amid the Iran conflict. For the first quarter, Eni reported an adjusted net profit of 1.3 billion euros, which fell short of market expectations due to operational challenges, including maintenance at refining sites and persistent margin pressure on its chemical sector, reflecting broader market pressures amid geopolitical instability. In the technology sector, Intel's shares surged significantly, driven by robust demand for central processing units (CPUs) from companies engaged in AI services. Intel’s unexpected sales growth suggests a resurgence in its competitive positioning against graphics chip firms like Nvidia and AMD, which have dominated the AI hardware landscape. On the geopolitical front, tensions remain high as the U.S. considers punitive measures against NATO allies like Spain for perceived non-support in U.S.-led operations concerning the Iran war. Within this backdrop, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon has been extended amid efforts for a peaceful resolution to the regional conflicts influenced by Iran's actions. Finally, reflecting on international trade policies, the U.S. has announced preliminary antidumping duties on solar imports from India, Indonesia, and Laos, a move expected to impact the solar supply chain significantly as domestic production aims to compete with low-cost imports.