Despite the cost of developing new liquefaction and regasification infrastructure, LNG trade is set to increase by 50 percent over the next few years.

This spectacular growth is transforming the market, with many new companies entering the sector and changing the industry landscape. Kerry-Anne Shanks, Head of Asia gas and LNG at Wood Mackenzie, foresees a rise of new LNG buyers in Asia.

In 2016, Asia's emerging LNG buyers contracted nearly 18 million tons of LNG supply. This is over 60 percent of new contracts globally. Contracts taken up by new Asian buyers were three times as much as those contracted by Asia's traditional buyers.

Market liberalization is the first reason, says Shanks, as it allows more players the right to contract LNG. Buyers are also attracted by cheaper and more flexible LNG supply deals.

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